FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL POLYHERBAL GEL FOR WOUND MANAGEMENT

Wound infections are a significant healthcare challenge because they delay healing, promote microbial contamination, and are increasingly difficult to treat due to resistance to synthetic antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate an antimicrobial polyherbal gel for wound healing using medicinal plants such as Caralluma fimbriata and Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Tulsi), known for their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the plant extracts confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, phenolics, and glycosides, which are beneficial for tissue repair and microbial inhibition.The gel was prepared using HPMC as a gelling agent, glycerin as a humectant, methyl paraben as a preservative, and citric acid for pH adjustment. The formulated gel was evaluated for physicochemical properties including appearance, homogeneity, spreadability, viscosity, pH, stability, and extrudability. Results showed satisfactory consistency, good spreadability, stability, and skin-compatible pH.Antimicrobial activity was tested by the agar well diffusion method against common wound pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The gel exhibited significant zones of inhibition, indicating strong antibacterial potential. Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytoconstituents may support faster wound contraction and tissue regeneration.In conclusion, the developed polyherbal gel demonstrated promising antimicrobial activity and suitable properties for topical wound care, suggesting it could serve as a safe, cost-effective, and effective herbal alternative for wound treatment.