Interdisciplinarity traditional Chinese medicine microneedles in skin disease treatment: Recent advances and challenges

Microneedle technology in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) represents an innovative transdermal delivery system that integrates natural bioactive components with advanced delivery platforms. This synergy offers a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of skin diseases, characterized by enhanced transdermal permeability, improved efficacy, and reduced side effects. This review systematically delineates the current landscape of TCM microneedles for dermatological applications. We begin by introducing four major categories of key active TCM ingredients-flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides-elaborating on their botanical sources, pharmacological properties, and contemporary delivery strategies. Subsequently, existing TCM microneedle systems are categorized into five types based on drug delivery mechanisms: solid, coated, hollow, dissolvable, and hydrogel microneedles, with an emphasis on their preparation methods and suitability for delivering TCM components. Next, through illustrative case studies, we further substantiate the promising efficacy and biosafety of these systems in managing a spectrum of skin conditions, from inflammatory diseases and hypertrophic scars to wound healing and androgenetic alopecia. Finally, we discuss the unparalleled advantages and the pivotal challenges associated with the clinical translation of TCM microneedles. This review aims to facilitate the development of TCM microneedles with optimized structures and functions, while providing insightful information for researchers in the field.