FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL GEL CONTAINING ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF FICUS RACEMOSA LINN. FOR WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY

Herbal medicines form the basis of primary healthcare for approximately 75–80% of the world's population, particularly in developing countries, owing to their cultural acceptability, compatibility with the human body, and minimal adverse effects. In the present study, ethanolic leaf extract of Ficus racemosa Linn. (Family: Moraceae), commonly known as the Cluster Fig or Gular, was selected for herbal gel formulation due to its well-documented wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Fresh leaves were collected, air-dried, and powdered; ethanolic extracts (3% w/v and 5% w/v) were prepared by the condensation method. Phytochemical screening of the leaf extract confirmed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds including tannins. The herbal gel was formulated using Carbopol 934 as the gelling agent, HPMC as the thickening agent, propyleneglycol as the emollient, propyl paraben as the preservative, and triethanolamine as the pH-adjusting agent. The prepared gel was evaluated for organoleptic properties (colour, odour, consistency, greasiness, and homogeneity), pH, spreadability, viscosity, and skin irritancy. The gel exhibited a light green colour, smooth consistency, homogeneous appearance, and was non-greasy. The pH values recorded at 12 hours and 24 hours were 6.7 and 6.9, respectively, within the acceptable standard range of 6.7–7.8. Spreadability was calculated as 18.02 gm·cm/sec. Antimicrobial screening on agar plates showed a visible zone of inhibition, indicating antimicrobial potential. Skin irritancy testing on ten healthy human volunteers produced no adverse reactions. These results collectively indicate that the herbal gel formulation of Ficus racemosa leaf extract is safe, stable, and suitable for topical wound healing application.