Biocompatibility Assessment of Chitosan/Guar-Gum-Based Hydrogels Enriched with Ratan Jot Extract in a Murine Wound-Healing Model: Insights into Hepatotoxicity and Liver Health

Hydrogels are widely employed in wound care owing to their moisture-retentive, biocompatible, and tissue-repair properties. Incorporating natural plant extracts, such as Onosma echioides (commonly known as ratan jot), may enhance their therapeutic efficacy. However, systemic safety concerns, including potential hepatotoxic effects, necessitate comprehensive biocompatibility evaluations. This study aims to assess the biocompatibility and hepatotoxic potential of chitosan/guar-gum-based hydrogels enriched with ratan jot extract in a murine wound-healing model. Twenty adult male albino mice (Mus musculus) were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 5). Group I served as the untreated control, while Group II received a basic hydrogel formulation containing chitosan, guar gum, polyvinyl alcohol, and vinyltrimethoxysilane. Groups III and IV were treated with hydrogels supplemented with 50 µL and 150 µL of ratan jot extract, respectively. Treatments were applied topically to surgically induced dorsal wounds for 13 days. Posttreatment, liver tissues were harvested for gross morphological, histological, and biochemical analyses, including serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, albumin, and total proteins. No significant differences in body weight, liver size, or morphometric indices were observed among groups. Histological examination revealed preserved hepatic architecture in all groups, with only mild Kupffer cell activation in the high-dose group (150 µL ratan jot extract). Biochemical assays demonstrated minor, statistically nonsignificant alterations in ALT, AST, total bilirubin, and total protein levels compared to the control group, with albumin concentrations remaining consistent across all groups. Chitosan/guar-gum-based hydrogels enriched with ratan jot extract exhibited excellent biocompatibility and no overt hepatotoxicity in mice, even at higher doses. These findings support their safe potential for topical wound-healing applications with minimal systemic toxicity risks.