Gel Trial Formulation Of The Crude Ethanolic Extract Of Tinospora Cordifolia (Willd.) Miers. Stem And Evaluation Of Its Anti-Inflammatory, Wound-Healing And Skin Irritation Activities

Tinospora cordifolia (Menispermaceae), commonly known as “Makabuhay”, is known for its wide application in the treatment of various diseases in the traditional Ayurvedic literature. This medicinal plant, which is found in all islands of the Philippines has a wide array of physiological roles, thereby signifying the versatility of the plant [1]. However, there is no scientific evidence justifying the use of T. cordifolia as an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing gel formulation. Thus, this study was initiated to formulate, characterize and evaluate the effectiveness of crude plant extract incorporated in gel base, in concentrations of 5% (w/v) and 10% (w/v) as a wound healing and anti-inflammatory gel preparation. Seven gel formulations were prepared and the physical attributes were observed to identify one formulation with desirable characteristics. The viscosity, pH, spreadability, consistency, and homogeneity of the selected formulation were examined. Both gel concentrations were assessed using incision wound model in Sprague-Dawley rats and formalin-induced rat paw edema method, which showed significant increase in tensile strength (p < 0.05) of the wound compared to Curiosin gel and decrease in mean paw size (p < 0.001) of the rats compared to Voltaren as reference drugs, respectively. The 10% gel concentration has more enhanced wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity compared to the 5% gel concentration exhibited in both tests. In parallel, Scratch and Patch tests in albino rabbits were performed to determine primary skin irritation effect. Both 5% and 10% T. cordifolia gels exhibited negligible irritant property, thus, they can be used safely as topical preparation to treat wounds and inflammation.

Acknowledgements: Partial support for this research from the Research Cluster for the Natural and Applied Sciences is gratefully acknowledged.

References: [1] Saha S, Ghosh S (2012) Ancient Science of Life, 31, 2673 – 2674.