Herbal Transfersomal Gel For Diabetic Wound Healing Using Azadirachta Indica, Ocimum Sanctum, And Allium Sativum

Abstract

Diabetic wounds are a major clinical challenge due to impaired healing, prolonged inflammation, and increased risk of infection. Herbal medicines such as Azadirachta indica, Ocimum sanctum, and Allium sativum possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that can enhance wound repair. However, their therapeutic potential is often limited by poor stability, low solubility, and inadequate skin penetration. This study aimed to develop a herbal transfersomal gel incorporating these extracts to improve topical delivery and accelerate wound healing. Transfersomes were prepared and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. The optimized formulation (F7) was incorporated into a gel and evaluated for physicochemical properties, including pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, and drug content, as well as in vitro drug release and stability under ICH conditions. In vivo studies using streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats assessed wound contraction and healing efficacy. The optimized gel showed uniform particle size (165 ± 2.5 nm), high entrapment efficiency (85.6%), suitable pH (6.6), viscosity (3300 cP), and excellent spreadability and extrudability. Sustained drug release was observed over 24 hours, and stability studies confirmed physical and chemical integrity. In vivo results demonstrated significantly enhanced wound contraction (92.3% by day 21) compared to herbal gel and control groups.