Development of a Polyherbal Emulgel of Centella asiatica and Pipernigrum: A Novel Approach for Wound Management

Wound healing is a complex process that may be delayed by microbial infection, Wound inflammation, oxidative stress, and increasing antimicrobial resistance. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, traditionally known as Mandookaparni in Ayurveda, has long been used for wound management and skin disorders. Its major triterpenoid phytoconstituents, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, Asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, contribute to wound repair through stimulation of collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, and modulation of inflammation. Piper nigrum contains piperine, its principal alkaloid, which possesses reported antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antibiofilm properties. The present study aims to develop and optimize a topical herbal emulgel containing extracts of C. asiatica and P. nigrum for potential wound management. The extracts will be prepared using suitable extraction techniques and evaluated for relevant phytoconstituents, followed by incorporation into an emulgel using appropriate oil-phase components, surfactants, and gelling agents. Formulations will be optimized by evaluating appearance, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, viscosity, extract/marker content, and stability. The optimized formulation will be evaluated for antimicrobial activity against selected wound-associated microorganisms and, where feasible, in-vitro wound-healing potential.