Abstract

HERBALLY MEDICATED HYDROGEL FOR DIABETIC FOOT ULCER

Swathi P. Nair* and Gowtham M.

ABSTRACT

India, the land of Vedas, has always stood in its prime position in terms of culture and tradition. Indians have formulated several medicine, right from the ancient time, which are still used as remedies for several aliments. Herbal medicines not only cure the disease; but heals the body as whole. The sagas in ancient India, developed these magic remedies, without the aid of technological advances. Herbal medicine have better patient compliance because of their long term curing capacity and absence of side effects, The present study has been undertaken with the aim of formulate and evaluate the diabetic wound healing effects of polyherbal hydrogels prepared from ethanolic extracts Catharanthus roseus and Terminalia chebula followed by Aloe barbadensis gel. Phytochemical screening showed that alkaloid, triterpenoid, tannin, phenols are responsible for the activity. The hydrogel was formulated using different polymer (Carbapol 934, HPMC K 100, Chitosan) at a concentration of 1.5%w/w. Concentration of plant extract remain constant (2:4:1). Physical parameters like pH, spredablity, viscosity, swelling index were evaluated and they showed better result. pH of the formulation was compatable with skin pH. The gel formulation F2 containing carbapol polymer was selected as the optimised formulation. All the formulated hydrogel were subjected to Antioxidant studies F2 showed lowest IC50 values. F2 was subjected to in vivo evaluation. Steptozotocin was used to induce diabetic on rats. Excision wound model was used to evaluate diabetic wound healing. Percentage wound contraction was compared with standard Mega heal ointment. Stability studies revealed that the formulated hydrogel was stable at room as well as refrigerating temperature.

Keywords: Herbal medicine; hydrogel; Diabetic wound healing; Catharanthus roseus; Terminalia chebula; Aloe barbadensis.