Evaluation of Dermal Toxicity and Wound Healing Activity of Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex DC

Application of Biomaterials in the Development of Hydrogel-Forming Microneedles Integrated with a Cyclodextrin Drug Reservoir for Improved Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Telmisartan

Telmisartan (TEL) is a promising antihypertensive agent among other angiotensin receptor blockers. However, its oral application is limited by its poor water solubility. This study presents the successful utilization of biomaterial-based hydrogel-forming microneedles integrated with a direct compressed tablet reservoir (HFMN-DCT) for the transdermal delivery of telmisartan in the treatment of hypertension. The combination of PVP, PVA, and tartaric acid was used in the HFMN formulation. A range of cross-linking temperatures and times were employed to optimize the characteristics of the HFMN. The HFMN exhibited excellent swelling capacity, mechanical strength, and insertion properties. Additionally, the poorly soluble characteristic of TEL was improved by the inclusion complex formulation with β-cyclodextrin (βCD). Phase solubility analysis showed an Ap-type diagram, indicating a higher-order complex between TEL and βCD, with respect to βCD. A ratio of TEL:βCD of 1:4 mM demonstrates the highest solubility enhancement of TEL. The inclusion complex formation was confirmed by FTIR, XRD, DSC, and molecular docking studies. A significantly higher release of TEL (up to 20-fold) from the inclusion complex was observed in the in vitro release study. Subsequently, a DCT reservoir was developed using various concentrations of sodium starch glycolate. Essentially, both the HFMN and DCT reservoir exhibit hemocompatibility and did not induce any skin irritation. The optimized combination of the HFMN-DCT reservoir showed an ex vivo permeation profile of 83.275 ± 2.405%. Notably, the proposed system showed superior pharmacokinetic profiles in the in vivo investigation using male Wistar rats. Overall, this study highlights the potential of HFMN-DCT reservoir systems as a versatile platform for transdermal drug delivery applications.

Wound healing efficacy of novel ayurveda formulation- Pentabark Kashaya: In wistar rats using excision wound model- an in vivo study

BACKGROUND

Wound healing plays a major concern in the field of surgery as it requires uneventful healing. Management aims towards prevention of infection and to accelerate healing. Acharya Sushruta has given more emphasis on Vrana (wound) and its chikitsa (treatment). Many antiseptic agents which prevent infection are widely used but have no role in accelerating the healing process and are cytotoxic, deleterious to wound healing. In this regard an innovative polyherbomineral formulation Pentabark Kashaya (PK)was formulated to assess acute dermal toxicity and woundhealing activity.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the wound healing efficacy of novel Ayurveda Formulation i.e Pentabark Kashaya in Wistar rats using the excision wound model.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Acute dermal toxicity study was carried out on five female Wistar rats by following the OECD guideline 434 and signs of toxicity were assessed for the period of 14 days. Wound healing activitywas assessed on the excision wound model. 18 male Wistar rats were procured for the study and divided into three groups (n = 6 in each group). The test group was treated with application of PK, standard group with Povidone iodine solution 5% and control group with distilled water. The parameters assessed were epithelialization period, wound contraction rate, wound closure day and swab test for microbial load for the period of 21 days. Statistical analysis was done by using one way ANOVA and Tukeys HSD to assess changes in between three groups at each time point.

RESULTS

No signs of acute dermal toxicity were seen, which proved that PK is safe for application. Significant results were seen in the parameters of wound healing like period of epithelialization and wound closure day. Percentage of wound contraction rate was increased in test group when compared to other groups. Histopathology of skin showed marked changes in re-epithelialization, dermal fibroblast, dermal fibrocytes in test group when compared to control group.

CONCLUSION

PK is safe for application and it is effective in wound healing.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NO

Not applicable.