Formulation and Physical Stability Evaluation of Tenggiang (Polystichum setiferum) Nanogel as a Future Therapeutic Agent for Burn Wounds

Background: Burns are a health problem that require effective therapy to accelerate healing and prevent infection. Nanogels are one of the drug delivery systems with the potential to improve the effectiveness of topical therapy. Tenggiang (Polystichum setiferum) has traditionally been used as a wound remedy and is known to contain secondary metabolites with potential biological activities. Objective: This study aimed to formulate an ethanolic extract of Tenggiang (Polystichum setiferum) into a nanogel, evaluate its physical stability, and determine the best formulation for accelerating burn wound healing. Methods: The study included simplicia characterization, ethanol extraction, phytochemical screening, formulation of nanogels into three formulations (F1, F2, and F3), and evaluation of physical stability, including organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, and spreadability. Burn wound healing efficacy was evaluated in male rats for 14 days based on changes in wound diameter and the percentage of wound healing. Results: The simplicia had a moisture content of 8.71%, while 15.42 g of ethanolic extract was obtained from 500 g of simplicia. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. The nanogels remained organoleptically stable for 4 weeks, with a pH range of 6.6–6.8. The viscosities of F1, F2, and F3 were 10,350, 11,750, and 23,650 cps, respectively, while their spreadability values were 6.8, 6.6, and 6.4 cm, respectively. On day 14, F3 showed the highest wound healing percentage at 93.3%. Conclusion: The nanogel containing ethanolic extract of P. setiferum demonstrated good physical stability and potential as a topical formulation for burn wound therapy, with F3 being the most optimal formulation based on the percentage of wound healing.