Recent Trends in Herbal Emulgel Formulations for Topical Drug Delivery for Healing Wounds and Other Infections

Abstract: The foundation of the Indian pharmaceutical system is deeply rooted in Ayurveda. Researchers are particularly interested in exploring natural bioactive components. Various plant extracts are known to produce therapeutic effects. Herbal medicines have gained global significance, impacting both health and economic factors. Despite the growing use of domestic remedies, both industrialized and developing countries have valid concerns regarding the viability, security, and quality of these healing plants. Patient compliance is increasing because herbal remedies lack the typical adverse effects associated with allopathic medications. Emulgel represents a novel drug delivery technology designed to enhance and modify the administration of pharmaceuticals, particularly hydrophobic ones. This comprehensive review explores drug delivery through the skin, common skin conditions, infections, and categories of skin diseases, as well as the composition, characterization, and evaluation parameters of herbal emulgel. It also examines the applications and advantages of herbal emulgel compared to emulsions and gels. Recent advancements in pharmaceutical sciences concerning the development and evaluation of emulgel formulations, including botanical medications and related products, have also been explored. Herbal emulgels represent a promising convergence of phytotherapy and modern pharmaceutics, offering effective, patientfriendly, and economically viable solutions for wound care and infection management, with a clear trajectory toward therapeutic and commercial progress. The current investigation also underscores the future potential and challenges associated with the formulation, packaging, and commercialization of herbal emulgels.