In vivo Study of Modified Okra Mucilage/Acrylic Acid Hydrogels Loaded with Ethanolic Extracts of Calendula Officinalis for Wound Healing Application

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing efficacy of an ethanolic extract of Calendula officinalis flower petals, traditionally used by tribal communities. This extract was encapsulated in hydrogels made from modified okra mucilage and acrylic acid to enhance its therapeutic effects. Methods: Mature flower petals of Calendula officinalis were crushed to prepare an ethanolic extract. This extract was encapsulated in hydrogels and applied to excision wounds on animal models. A comparative analysis was conducted on encapsulated and unencapsulated hydrogels. Epithelization period, contraction area, hydroxyproline content, total protein, antioxidant activity, wound index and histopathological evaluations were among the key parameters analyzed. Results: The study revealed that animals treated with encapsulated hydrogels demonstrated significantly improved wound healing outcomes compared to those treated with unencapsulated hydrogels and control groups. Specifically, the encapsulated hydrogels led to greater wound contraction, a shorter epithelization period, and a lower wound index. Additionally, higher levels of hydroxyproline, total protein, and DNA concentrations were observed in healing tissue, indicating enhanced collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration. Histopathological evaluations supported these findings with more organized and mature tissue formation. Conclusion: The encapsulated hydrogel of Calendula officinalis ethanolic extract proved to be more effective in promoting wound healing than the unencapsulated versions. This novel hydrogel formulation shows promise as a potent pharmaceutical candidate for acute cutaneous wound care.