Development and Evaluation of a Polyherbal Ointment for Enhanced Wound Healing and Antimicrobial Activity

Background and Objective: Ziziphus nummularia (ZN), Nigella sativa (NS) and Thymus vulgaris (TV) are traditional herbal remedies known for their wound-healing properties. This study aimed to develop and assess a polyherbal ointment containing ZN, NS and TV and to evaluate the synergistic potential of the polyherbal formulation for its wound healing and antimicrobial efficacy. Materials and Methods: Methanolic extracts of the leaves were utilized to prepare formulations using the fusion method. Four formulations were prepared: Three consisting of individual herbal extracts (I, II and III) and one as a polyherbal ointment (PHO). Physical parameters such as pH, stability and spreadability were evaluated. In vivo wound healing activity was assessed using an excision wound model, measuring wound contraction and epithelialization period. Antimicrobial potential was evaluated against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results were analyzed using statistical methods, with significance defined as p<0.05 for all comparisons. Results: The prepared formulations were found to have satisfactory physicochemical properties, including spreadability, pH and loss on drying. Over time, all formulations showed a decrease in wound area compared to controls. The PHO showed the highest level of activity (11.66±0.37) when compared to the individual herbal formulations (Z. nummularia: 14.33±0.59 day, N. sativa : 16.33±0.37 days and T. vulgaris: 15.83±0.71 days). When tested against all organisms, PHO showed significant antibacterial activity at 200 µg/mL. Conclusion: The polyherbal ointment showed remarkable wound healing and antimicrobial properties, suggesting its potential for wound management. These effects likely stem from the synergistic interactions of active phytoconstituents within the herbs, including essential oils and phenolics.