PHYTOPHARMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GYMNEMIC ACID LOADED HYDROGEL FOR IMPROVED WOUND CARE

This study aims to develop and characterize a phytopharmaceutical hydrogel containing isolated gymnemic acid from Gymnema sylvestre leaves for improved wound care. Gymnemic acid, a triterpenoid saponin, was extracted using ethanol (12.6% w/w yield) and isolated via acid precipitation (1.21% w/w yield). Its identity and purity were confirmed using thin-layer chromatography (Rf 0.7) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. A hydrogel formulation was developed utilizing Carbopol 940 as the gelling agent. The prepared hydrogel was evaluated for its physicochemical properties, rheological behavior, and in-vitro drug release. The formulation exhibited a skin-compatible pH of 6.5, excellent homogeneity, and complete washability. Rheological assessment revealed a desirable pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) flow, and spreadability testing demonstrated a spreadability factor of 20.0 g.cm/sec, ensuring pain-free application. In-vitro drug release studies, uniquely performed using an eggshell membrane sac method to simulate a multidirectional wound bed environment, demonstrated a biphasic and sustained release profile, achieving a cumulative drug release of 21.44 mg over 5 hours. These findings suggest that the gymnemic acid-loaded Carbopol hydrogel is a promising, stable, and effective topical delivery system for sustained wound management.