FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TERMINALIA ARJUNA BARK EXTRACT HERBAL EMULGEL FOR WOUND HEALING

Wound healing is a complex biological process involving inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling. Herbal-based topical formulations have gained considerable attention because of their therapeutic efficacy, reduced side effects, and improved patient compliance. Terminalia arjuna is a medicinal plant widely recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties due to the presence of bioactive constituents such as tannins, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and glycosides. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a Terminalia arjuna extract-loaded emulgel for wound healing activity. The ethanolic bark extract of Terminalia arjuna was incorporated into an emulgel system prepared using suitable oils, emulsifying agents, gelling agents, and stabilizers. The formulated emulgel was evaluated for physicochemical characteristics including appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, stability, and in vitro release profile. Wound healing efficacy was assessed using suitable experimental models by monitoring parameters such as wound contraction, epithelialization period, and tissue regeneration. The formulated emulgel exhibited desirable physical characteristics, good stability, and controlled release behavior. The presence of phytoconstituents in Terminalia arjuna promoted collagen synthesis, enhanced tissue repair, and accelerated wound contraction. The findings suggest that Terminalia arjuna emulgel has significant potential as an effective herbal topical formulation for enhancing wound healing and may serve as a promising alternative to conventional wound management therapies.