Formulation and Characterization of Herbal Topical Preparation for Wound Healing

Abstract

The present study focuses on the development and evaluation of a polyherbal topical gel formulation for wound healing activity using Plumbago zeylanica, Datura stramonium, and Argemone mexicana. Wound healing is a complex biological process involving inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, often affected by microbial infection and oxidative stress. Herbal medicines, rich in bioactive phytoconstituents, offer a safer and effective alternative to synthetic drugs. In this study, plant extracts were prepared using Soxhlet extraction and evaluated for physicochemical properties, phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity. The polyherbal formulation demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, and other bioactive compounds. The antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH assay showed significant free radical scavenging activity, with the polyherbal extract exhibiting superior activity compared to individual extracts. Antimicrobial studies revealed effective inhibition against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The formulated gel showed acceptable physicochemical properties, stability, and sustained drug release. The study concludes that the developed polyherbal gel is a promising, safe, and effective formulation for wound healing applications.