FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL GEL FOR WOUND HEALING

The aim of the present investigation was to formulate and evaluate the herbal gel containing honey and curcumin for wound healing and antimicrobial potential. Curcumin and honey used in the preparation possess an excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and healing potential. Gelling agent used in this study was Carbopol 934P. In the present study five formulations containing different concentration of carbopol and honey were formulated and optimized. The optimized formulations were selected for further studies. Optimized gel was then loaded with active drug. The formulations were characterized for initial physicochemical parameters i.e. surface pH, spreadability, viscosity and antimicrobial susceptibility test to observe toxicity or side effects. The result revealed that the surface pH was within the range of skin pH. The viscosity and spreadability of the gel was appropriate and zone of inhibition was also satisfactory for optimized formulations G4 and G5. The preparations were stable under normal storage conditions and did not produce any skin irritation, i.e., erythema and oedema for about a month, when applied over the skin