Phytochemical Screening, Pharmacological Development of Centella Asciatica Centella Asiatica

The present study was undertaken to explore the phytochemical constituents, pharmacological efficacy, and formulation development of Centella asiatica for its wound healing potential. Leaves of C. asiatica were collected, authenticated, and extracted using Soxhlet apparatus with ethanol as the solvent. Physicochemical parameters, including extractive values, ash content, and loss on drying, were determined to establish quality standards. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of key bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and triterpenoids. Topical herbal formulations were developed at two different concentrations (2% and 5%) of the ethanolic extract and evaluated using an excision wound model in Wistar rats. The formulations demonstrated effective wound healing activity, with the 5% formulation showing comparable results to the standard treatment (Povidone-iodine). The study also confirmed the non-toxic nature of the extract through acute dermal toxicity studies. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was used to identify and confirm active phytoconstituents. The findings suggest that Centella asiatica possesses significant wound healing properties and holds potential for development as a safe, plant-based topical formulation. This work supports the traditional medicinal use of C. asiatica and provides a scientific basis for its application in wound management.