Preparation and evaluation of polyherbal wound healing powder for topical application

Abstract

Wound healing is a vital physiological process involving tissue repair and regeneration, and effective topical therapy plays a key role in preventing infection and promoting recovery. Conventional wound care formulations may present limitations such as delayed healing, high cost, and adverse effects. The present study focuses on the preparation and evaluation of a wound healing powder intended for topical application using selected ingredients with wound-healing and antimicrobial properties. The formulation was prepared by drying, pulverization, sieving, and uniform blending to obtain a fine, free-flowing powder suitable for external use. The prepared powder was evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, particle size, flow properties, moisture content, pH, and microbial load. The formulation exhibited acceptable physicochemical parameters, good flowability, skin-compatible pH, and compliance with microbial limit tests. The results indicate that the developed wound healing powder is safe, stable, and suitable for topical application.

Keywords

Introduction

Wound is defined as a disruption in the normal structure and function of the skin and underlying tissues caused by physical, chemical, thermal, or microbial injury. Wound healing is a complex and dynamic biological process that involves a sequence of events such as inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling, ultimately leading to restoration of skin integrity. Effective wound management is essential to prevent infection, minimize complications, and accelerate the healing process. Conventional wound care therapies include topical antibiotics, antiseptics, ointments, and modern dressings. Although these treatments are widely used, they may be associated with certain limitations such as delayed wound healing, development of microbial resistance, skin irritation, and high treatment cost. These drawbacks have encouraged the development of alternative and supportive topical formulations.

Topical powders, particularly wound healing powders, offer several advantages such as ease of application, ability to absorb excess moisture, maintenance of a dry wound environment, and reduction of microbial growth. They are especially useful in managing minor wounds, cuts, abrasions, and skin injuries. Thus, wound-healing  powders represent a simple, cost-effective, and patient-friendly dosage form that supports wound protection, accelerates healing, and enhances overall wound management outcomes.

POLYHERBAL CONCEPT IN WOUND HEALING

The polyherbal approach is based on the principle that the combination of multiple herbs produces synergistic therapeutic effects superior to those of a single herb alone. This concept, widely emphasized in traditional systems of medicine, integrates diverse phytochemical constituents that act on different stages of wound healing—hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling. Such a strategy enhances overall efficacy while minimizing adverse effects.

In the present wound-healing powder formulation, a combination of Neem, Turmeric, Tulsi, Amla, and Vallarai has been selected to provide antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-regenerating actions. Each herb contributes distinct bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyphenols, which collectively promote faster and safer wound repair. Camphor supports antiseptic action and improves local circulation, while talc acts as an absorbent base to maintain a dry wound environment.

Multi – Phase Healing Support:

• Different herbs support different phases of wound healing.

• Early phase: Antimicrobial agents (Neem, Tulsi, Camphor) prevent infection.
• Middle phase: Anti-inflammatory agents (Turmeric, Tulsi) reduce swelling and pain.
• Late phase: Tissue-repair and antioxidant agents (Amla, Vallarai) promote collagen synthesis and epithelialization.

Reduced Side Effects:

Herbal ingredients used at appropriate concentrations are generally safe and well tolerated. Compared to synthetic wound powders, the present polyherbal formulation shows minimal irritation and improved skin compatibility, making it suitable for repeated topical application.

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS

NEEM

 

 

Fig 1: Neem.

Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica

Family: Meliaceae

Synonyms: Neem, Margosa

Useful Part: Leaves

Phytochemical Class: Limonoids, flavonoids, tannins, nimbin

Wound-Healing Actions:

Neem exhibits strong antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It helps prevent wound infection, reduces inflammation, and promotes faster wound cleansing and healing.

TURMERIC

 

 

Fig 2 : Turmeric

Botanical Name: Curcuma longa

Family: Zingiberaceae

Synonyms: Haldi

Useful Part: Rhizome

Phytochemical Class: Curcuminoids, volatile oils

Wound-Healing Actions:

Turmeric possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Curcumin enhances collagen synthesis and accelerates tissue regeneration.

TULSI

 

 

Fig 3: Tulsi

Botanical Name: Ocimum sanctum

Family: Lamiaceae

Synonyms: Holy basil

Useful Part: Leaves

Phytochemical Class: Eugenol, flavonoids, phenolics

Wound-Healing Actions:

Tulsi exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, aiding in infection prevention and inflammation control.

AMLA

 

 

Fig 4 : Amla

Botanical Name: Emblica officinalis

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Synonyms: Indian gooseberry

Useful Part: Fruit

Phytochemical Class: Vitamin C, tannins, polyphenols

Wound-Healing Actions:

Amla is a powerful antioxidant that enhances collagen synthesis, promotes epithelialization, and strengthens tissue repair.

VALLARAI

 

 

Fig 5 : Vallarai

Botanical Name: Centella asiatica

Family: Apiaceae

Synonyms: Gotu kola

Useful Part: Whole plant

Phytochemical Class: Triterpenoids (asiaticoside), flavonoids

Wound-Healing Actions:

Vallarai promotes fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and granulation tissue formation, leading to faster wound closure.

CAMPHOR

 

 

Fig 6 : Camphor

Botanical Name: Cinnamomum camphora

Family: Lauraceae

Synonyms: Kapur

Useful Part: Crystalline resin

Phytochemical Class: Terpenoids

Wound-Healing Actions:

Camphor exhibits mild antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and circulation-enhancing properties.

TALC

 

 

Fig 7 : Talc

Nature: Hydrated magnesium silicate

Synonyms: Talcum powder

Useful Part: Purified mineral powder

Phytochemical Class:  (Inorganic compound)

Wound-Healing Actions:

Talc acts as an absorbent, protective, and anti-friction agent, keeping the wound dry and comfortable.

FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT

Formulation Strategy:

The combination of multiple herbs was intended to provide synergistic wound-healing action, covering different phases of healing such as infection control, inflammation reduction, collagen synthesis, and epithelialization. Talc was selected as the base to improve flow properties and absorb excess moisture, while camphor was incorporated in a small quantity for its antiseptic and circulation-enhancing effect.

 

Composition Of Wound Healing Powder :

Method of Preparation

General Procedure for F1–F4:

Collection and Procurement of Materials:

Fresh leaves of Vallarai (Centella asiatica), Neem (Azadirachta indica), and Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) were collected locally and authenticated using standard references. Dried turmeric and amla powders were procured from a local herbal store.

Cleaning and Drying

The collected leaves were washed to remove impurities and shade-dried at room temperature until completely moisture-free.

Preparation of Herbal Powders:

The dried leaves were powdered separately and sieved through sieve No. 80 to obtain uniform fine powders. Turmeric and amla powders were used as received.

Formulation of Polyherbal Wound Healing Powder:

Accurately weighed quantities of all herbal powders were mixed by geometric dilution. Camphor was incorporated for additional therapeutic effect, and talc was added as a base to improve flow and moisture absorption. The mixture was blended thoroughly to obtain a uniform powder.

Evaluation:

The prepared formulation was evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, pH, flow properties, loss on drying, particle size, uniformity, skin irritation, and microbial load using standard procedures.

Storage:

The final product was stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Evaluation Parameters

A comprehensive set of pharmaceutical, physicochemical, and microbiological tests were carried out to evaluate the quality, safety, and suitability of the prepared wound-healing powder. The evaluation was conducted according to standard guidelines.

• Organoleptic Evaluation:

This test provides a preliminary qualitative assessment of formulation acceptability.

Parameters evaluated:

• Color: Natural greenish-brown due to herbal composition
• Odor: Mild characteristic herbal odor without rancidity
• Texture: Smooth, fine, non-gritty powder
• Appearance: Uniform, lump-free, free-flowing
• Powder Flow Properties:

Flowability determines ease of handling, packaging, and uniform application.

Angle of Repose

 • Measured using the fixed funnel method.

 • Ideal value: ≤ 35° for good flow.

 • Indicates cohesive or free-flowing nature.

• pH Determination:

 • Powder dispersed in distilled water (1% w/v).

 • Ideal topical pH range: 4.5–6.5.

 • Ensures compatibility with skin and wound bed.

• Moisture Content (Loss on Drying):

 • Determined using loss-on-drying method at 105°C.

 • Acceptable moisture content: < 10%.

• particle Size Analysis:

 • Performed using standard sieves (#60–#120)

 • Optimal particle size range: 100–150 µm

• Microbial Limit Test :

Microbial limit testing was conducted to ensure the microbiological safety of the wound-healing powder for topical application.

Parameters Tested :

• Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC)

• Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC)

• Absence of specified pathogens:

° Escherichia coli.

° Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

° Staphylococcus aureus.

STABILITY STUDIES

Stability studies were performed to assess the physical, chemical, and microbial stability of the polyherbal wound-healing powder under accelerated and controlled storage conditions. The study followed ICH guidelines and standard procedures recommended for herbal topical dosage forms.

Storage Conditions Used:

Two different controlled environments were employed:

1. Accelerated Stability Conditions

40°C ± 2°C

75% ± 5% RH

Duration: 3 months

Sampling intervals: 0, 30, 60, and 90 days.

2. Real-Time Stability Conditions

25°C ± 2°C

60% ± 5% RH

Duration: 3 months

Sampling intervals: Same as above

Formulations were stored in airtight  containers to prevent moisture uptake and microbial contamination.

Interpretation of Expected Outcomes:

• No caking or discoloration → Physically stable powder
• pH within range → Non-irritant and skin-safe
• Stable flow properties → Good shelf-life
• Microbial limits within standards → Safe for topical use
• Formulations meeting all criteria were considered stable for up to 24 months (projected shelf life).

CONCLUSION

The present study successfully formulated and evaluated a polyherbal wound healing powder containing Vallarai (Centella asiatica), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), turmeric, and amla. The optimized formulation showed acceptable organoleptic properties, appropriate pH for topical application, good flow characteristics, low moisture content, and uniform particle size distribution. Microbial limit testing confirmed that the formulation was within permissible limits and safe for external use.

The combined presence of wound healing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant herbal ingredients suggests a synergistic therapeutic effect. Based on the evaluation results, the optimized formulation was found to be stable, safe, and suitable for topical wound management. Further in vivo and clinical studies are recommended to confirm its efficacy and establish its potential as an effective herbal wound healing product.

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