Development, Standardization and Stability Studies of Novel Ayurvedic Polyherbal Wound Healing Gel Formulation with Comparative Evaluation to Marketed Products

Background: Wound healing is a complex biological process that involves inflammation, cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and tissue remodeling. Although several marketed topical formulations are available, their prolonged use may lead to adverse effects or delayed healing. Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations offer a promising alternative due to their synergistic therapeutic actions and improved safety profile.

Objective: The present study aimed to formulate, standardize, and comparatively evaluate a novel Ayurvedic polyherbal wound-healing gel containing Catharanthus roseus, Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed Musli), and Tinospora cordifolia with selected marketed wound-healing formulations. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extracts of the selected medicinal plants were incorporated into a Carbopol-based gel. The formulated gel was evaluated for physicochemical properties including appearance, pH, viscosity, spread ability, extrudability, and drug content uniformity. Microbiological quality was assessed by total microbial load and absence of specified pathogens. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against common wound-infecting microorganisms. In vivo wound-healing efficacy was assessed using excision and incision wound models by measuring wound contraction, epithelialization period, and tensile strength. Stability studies were conducted under accelerated conditions. Results: The novel polyherbal gel exhibited satisfactory physicochemical characteristics, acceptable microbial limits, and superior antimicrobial activity compared to marketed formulations. In vivo studies demonstrated significantly enhanced wound contraction, reduced epithelialization period, and increased tensile strength of healed tissue. Stability evaluation indicated no significant changes in formulation properties during the study period. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the novel Ayurvedic polyherbal wound-healing gel containing Catharanthus roseus, Chlorophytum borivilianum, and Tinospora  cordifolia possesses improved wound-healing potential and stability compared to marketed products, supporting its use as a safe and effective herbal alternative for topical wound management.