Abstract

Divya Sunil Utkar, Dr. Kailash R. Biyani, Dr. Pavan N. Folane

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a polyherbal ointment formulated from methanolic extracts of Ficus racemosa fruits, Spinacia oleracea leaves, and Tridax procumbens flowers for wound healing activity. The research encompassed a comprehensive approach, beginning with the collection and authentication of plant materials, followed by extraction, physicochemical standardization, and phytochemical profiling. Preliminary screening confirmed the presence of diverse bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds, while quantitative assays revealed significant levels of total phenolics and flavonoids, supporting the antioxidant potential of the extracts. The polyherbal ointment (PHEO) was prepared using a pharmaceutically acceptable base comprising white soft paraffin, beeswax, liquid paraffin, and lanolin. Equal portions of the three extracts were incorporated into the base to yield a stable, homogenous formulation. Acute dermal toxicity studies conducted in Wistar rats revealed no signs of erythema, edema, systemic toxicity, or mortality, confirming the safety of the ointment for topical application. Pharmacological evaluation using the excision wound model demonstrated dose dependent wound healing efficacy. By day 21, wound closure reached 78.9% in untreated controls, 95.6% in the standard control (Framycetin sulphate 1%), and 97.2% in the 10% PHEO group, with mature scar formation observed earlier in the polyherbal treated groups. Relative body weight monitoring indicated no adverse systemic effects, with treated animals showing mild weight gain, reflecting improved health status. Biochemical assays further validated the therapeutic potential of the ointment. Treatment with PHEO significantly enhanced endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity, with increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content, thereby mitigating lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that the wound healing effects of the polyherbal ointment are mediated through antioxidant mechanisms, tissue regeneration, and synergistic phytoconstituent activity. In conclusion, the polyherbal ointment formulated from Ficus racemosa, Spinacia oleracea, and Tridax procumbens is pharmaceutically acceptable, safe, and effective in promoting wound healing. Its efficacy, comparable to standard treatment, highlights its potential as a natural alternative for clinical wound management. The study provides a strong foundation for future research, including mechanistic investigations, long term toxicity studies, and clinical trials, to establish the formulation as a viable herbal therapeutic in modern healthcare.