Published Paper Details:

Chronic wounds, particularly diabetic ulcers, present a major therapeutic challenge due to delayed healing, high risk of infection, and impaired tissue regeneration. The present study aims to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal hydrogel as an effective topical drug delivery system for wound healing applications. The hydrogel was developed using Carbopol 940 as a gelling agent and incorporated with herbal extracts of Azadirachta indica and Centella asiatica, known for their potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. Suitable excipients such as triethanolamine, glycerin, methyl paraben, and acetic acid were used to achieve the desired consistency, stability, and preservation of the formulation. The prepared hydrogel was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters including physical appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, and drug content. The formulation exhibited a smooth and homogeneous texture with a pH suitable for skin application. Viscosity and spreadability were found to be optimal, ensuring ease of application and improved patient compliance. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a sustained release pattern of the active constituents, which is beneficial for prolonged therapeutic action at the wound site. The antimicrobial activity of the hydrogel indicated effective inhibition of microbial growth, supporting its role in preventing wound infections. Additionally, the formulation was found to be non-irritant and safe for topical use. Overall, the developed polyherbal hydrogel showed promising results and can be considered a potential alternative for the effective management of diabetic wounds.