WOUND HEALING EFFICACY OF A POLYHERBAL TOPICAL GELIN RAT MODELS OF EXCISION WOUND, INCISION WOUND, AND THERMAL BURN INJURY

Background: In Ayurvedic literature, Aloe vera, turmeric, honey, karanj oil, and cow ghee are documented for medicinal properties like anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-coagulant and wound recovery. Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a topical gel containing Aloe vera extract, turmeric, honey, karanj oil, and cow ghee for wound healing. Methods: Topical gel was prepared and evaluated for skin irritation and efficacy. Skin irritation studies were performed on rabbits according to OECD guidelines 402. Wound healing activity was performed on Wistar rats in the excision wound model, incision wound model, and burn injury model. Results: Treatment with formulation significantly ameliorated wounds compared to the vehicle control group in each wound injury model. Efficacy was comparable to the standard which was confirmed by amelioration of wound contraction, increase in tensile strength, attenuation of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and histological studies. Skin irritation studies on rabbits showed that formulation is non-irritant. Conclusion: In the topical gel used in this experiment showed enhanced wound healing properties in all three models of the experimental wound without skin irritation.