Formulation And Evaluation of Wound Healing Nanoemulgel Containing Tridax Procumbens and Moringa Oleifera

Wound healing is a complex biological process involving inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases. Delayed wound healing may result from microbial infection, oxidative stress, and poor tissue regeneration. Herbal medicines are widely used for wound treatment due to their therapeutic potential and reduced adverse effects. Nanoemulgel is a novel topical drug delivery system combining nanoemulsion and gel technology. Nanoemulsions improve drug solubility and penetration, while gels provide better consistency and patient compliance. Herbal nanoemulgels have gained popularity because of enhanced bioavailability and controlled drug release.

DRUG PROFILE:-

1. Tridax procumbens is a medicinal plant known for wound healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. It contains flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and carotenoids responsible for therapeutic effects.

• • Botanical Name: Tridaxprocumbens
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Order: Asterales
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Genus: Tridax
  • Species: T. procumbens
  • Synonym: Dagadipala, Kabarmodi

2.    Moringa oleifera possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and tissue regenerative properties due to the presence of vitamins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds.

• Botanical Name: Moringaoleifera
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Brassicales
• Family: Moringaceae
• Genus: Moringa
• Class: M. Oleifera
• Common Name: Drumstick tree, Shevga

Materials And Methods :-Materials:-

Collection And Authentication :-

Fresh leaves of Tridax procumbens and Moringa oleifera were collected from the local area. The plant materials were washed thoroughly with water to remove dirt and foreign particles.The leaves were shade dried for several days and powdered using a grinder.The powdered plant materials were stored in airtight containers for further use.

Method Of Extraction:-

The powdered leaves were extracted using ethanol by maceration method. About 50g of dried powdered leaves were weighed accurately. The powder was soaked in sufficient quantity of ethanol.. The mixture was kept in a closed container for 72 hours The mixture was stirred occasionally to enhance extraction. After extraction, the solution was filtered using Whatman filter paper.The filtrate was concentrated by evaporation to obtain semisolid extract.The extract was stored in refrigerator at 4^oC.

Isolation Of Flavonoids:-

For the isolation of flavonoids, the extract was dissolved in water and mixed with petroleum ether in a separating funnel. Two layers were formed, and the aqueous layer was separated. Ethyl acetate was then added to the aqueous layer resulting in the formation of two layers. The ethyl acetate layer was collected and evaporated until a semi­solid mass was obtained containing flavonoid-rich extract.

Formulation Table:-

Srno.	Ingredient	F1	F2	F3
	Herbal exctract	0.5gm	0.5gm	0.5gm
	Herbal extract	0.5gm	0.5gm	0.5gm
	Oleic acid	5ml	7ml	10ml
	Tween 80	25ml	27ml	30ml
	Propylene glycol	10ml	10ml	10ml
	Carbopol 934	0.5gm	1gm	1gm
	Triethanolamine	Qs	Qs	Qs
	Methyl paraben	0.1ml	0.1mk	0.1ml

Formulation Method:-Preparation Of Nano-Emulsion:-

The oil phase containing oleic acid was mixed with surfactant and co-surfactant. The flavonoid extract was incorporated into the oil phase. The aqueous phase was added slowly with continuous stirring to obtain nanoemulsion.

Preparation Of Nanoemulgel:-

Carbopol 940 was dispersed in distilled water and allowed to hydrate. The prepared nanoemulsion was incorporated slowly into the gel base with continuous stirring. Triethanolamine was added to adjust pH and obtain desired consistency.

Evaluation Parameters :-

• • Physical Appearance :-The prepared formulations were visually inspected for color, homogeneity, consistency, and phase separation.
  • pH Determination :-The pH of nanoemulgel formulations was measured using digital pH meter.
  • Spreadability :-Spreadability was determined by measuring the time required for two slides to separate from the gel placed between them under standard weight.
  • Viscosity :-Viscosity was measured using Brookfield viscometer at room temperature.
  • Extrudability :-Extrudability was evaluated by measuring the amount of gel extruded from collapsible tube upon application of pressure.
  • Drug Content :-Drug content was determined spectrophotometrically by dissolving a known quantity of formulation in suitable solvent.
  • Stability Studies :-The optimized formulation was stored at different temperature conditions and evaluated periodically for changes in appearance, pH, and consistency.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The prepared nanoemulgels were smooth, homogeneous, and free from phase separation. The pH of formulations ranged between 5 and 7, indicating compatibility with skin. Spreadability and extrudability studies showed satisfactory application properties. The viscosity of formulations was appropriate for topical administration. Among all formulations, F2 showed optimum characteristics with better consistency, spreadability, and drug release. Stability studies revealed no significant changes in physical appearance, pH, or viscosity during storage. The presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in Tridax procumbens and Moringa oleifera contributed to enhanced wound healing activity due to antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.

CONCLUSION

The present investigation successfully formulated and evaluated a herbal nanoemulgel containing Tridax procumbens and Moringa oleifera extracts. The developed formulation showed satisfactory physicochemical characteristics, stability, and drug release profile. Herbal nanoemulgel may provide an effective and safe alternative for wound healing management with improved patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy.

REFERENCES

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