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Vishal

This research article discusses the preparation and characterization of an aloe vera-based curcumin-loaded nanoemulgel aimed at enhancing wound healing activity. The study highlights the development of a novel formulation (AL-CUR-NEG) that improves the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin, which has poor biopharmaceutical properties, through a nanomedicine approach. The results indicate that the developed nanoemulgel exhibits significant improvements in skin penetrability and wound healing efficacy in albino wistar rats compared to traditional formulations.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
6 views

Vishal

This research article discusses the preparation and characterization of an aloe vera-based curcumin-loaded nanoemulgel aimed at enhancing wound healing activity. The study highlights the development of a novel formulation (AL-CUR-NEG) that improves the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin, which has poor biopharmaceutical properties, through a nanomedicine approach. The results indicate that the developed nanoemulgel exhibits significant improvements in skin penetrability and wound healing efficacy in albino wistar rats compared to traditional formulations.

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zukhra.phdbt127
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences Print version ISSN 0970-0765

Zoology (Animal Science), Vol.43B, No.1S, Online version ISSN 2320-3188


January-June 2024: P.1084-1099

Original Research Article Content Available online at: www.bpasjournals.com

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ALOE VERA BASED


CURCUMIN LOADED NANOEMULGEL FOR WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY

Vishal1, Sumita Singh2, Mukesh Kumar2*


1
Research scholar, Faculty of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University,
Subhartipuram NH-58, Delhi-Haridwar Bypass Road, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250005 India
2
Faculty of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Subhartipuram NH-58,
Delhi-Haridwar Bypass Road, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250005 India

Corresponding Author*
Mukesh Kumar, Faculty of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University,
Subhartipuram NH-58, Delhi-Haridwar Bypass Road, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250005 India
Email: [email protected]

Abstract
Hydrogels system being a drug delivery system has great significance particularly for topical
application in cutaneous open wound. The specific physicochemical properties such as non-
adhesiveness, moisture retention, and exudates absorption and gas permeability make them
ideal as a drug delivery vehicle for wound healing treatment. Further, curcumin (a natural
bioactive compound) was selected as a therapeutic agent to incorporate into the hydrogel
system to design and develop nanoemulgel for wound healing. Although, curcumin possess
remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-infective activity along with hastening the
healing process by acting over the different stages of the wound healing process, but its poor
biopharmaceutical (low aqueous solubility and skin penetrability) attributes hamper their
therapeutic efficacy for skin applications. The current research study aimed to develop the AL-
CUR-NEG formulation system and evaluated to check the improvement in the therapeutic
efficacy of curcumin through a nanomedicine-based approach for wound healing activity in
albino wistar rats. The curcumin was enclosed inside the nanoemulsion system prepared
through a high-energy ultrasonic emulsification technique at using minimum concentration of
surfactant required to nanoemulsify the curcumin-loaded oil system having droplet size
385.9nm. The optimized curcumin loaded nanoemulsion was incorporated into aloe vera
hydrogel system for topical application. The developed curcumin nanoemulgel exhibited
thixotropic rheological behavior and spreadability coefficient a significant (p<0.05) increase in
skin penetrability characteristics compared to curcumin dispersed in marketed formulation
system. Further signify the role of the AL-CUR-NEG formulation in in-vivo wound healing
efficacy study.
Keywords: Nanoemulsion, Nanoemulgel, Wound healing
Introduction
Physical injuries resulting in a skin break or opening are called wounds (Singh M. et al. 2006).

1084 Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences-Zoology / Vol.43B No.1 S / January-June 2024
In order to restore the skin's disturbed anatomical and functional status, wounds must be healed
appropriately. One of the most intricate physiological processes is wound restoration, which
begins with the body's reaction to an injury and ends with the integrity and functionality of the
injured tissues being restored (Dadekar R. et al. 2012). Numerous physiological processes,
including clotting, coagulation, inflammation, and the production of new tissues, are involved
in wound healing. These processes can occur over a range of timescales, from minutes to
several months or years (Boateng J.S. et al. 2015). The formation of an incomplete healing
process and the failure of wound healing may be caused by any deviations or delays to the
multistage healing process (Gould L. et al. 2015). Prolonged injuries can have a major negative
impact on one's quality of life, and they need to be treated with extremely high-quality care
(Stejskalova A. et al. 2017). The risk of morbidity and mortality could rise as a result
(Saporito F. et al. 2018). This is particularly valid for those with diabetes mellitus and vascular
illnesses (Gould L. et al. 2015). Consequently, it's critical to develop a wound healing
technique that can reduce tissue damage and quicken the healing process. There are several
ways to provide wound healing medicines, such as parenteral and oral; nevertheless, systemic
medication administration of these agents may result in undesired systemic adverse effects.
Therefore, a topical drug delivery system is a desirable strategy that can enhance the healing
of wounds and reduce systemic adverse effects.

Turmeric
Turmeric belongs to the spice family; it's more intriguing for the medicinal/specific and
culinary worlds. Curcuma longa is a mismatched herbaceous persistent plant from to the
Zingiberaceae family (Priyadarsini K.I. et al. 2014). The sources of curcumin and the
medicinal properties of turmeric have been known for millennia. Determining the precise
mechanism of action and the bioactive components are therefore periodically investigated
(Gupta S.C. et al. 2013). Curcumin (1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-
3,5-dione), is a diferuloylmethane. The primary naturally occurring polyphenol in a Curcuma
supplement is derived from Curcuma longa, or turmeric (Aggarwal B.B. et al. 2003). A nation
in Asia has long utilized curcuma longa as a medicinal herb because of its antimicrobial
(Phatak A.A. et al. 2012 & Larsson M. et al. 2014), antibacterial, anti-inflammatory (Lestari
M.L. et al. 2014), anticancer or antimutagenic (Mahady G.B. et al 2002 & Reddy R.C. et al.
2005), and antioxidant qualities. Three different curcuminoids (curcumin,
bisdemethoxycurcumin, and desmethoxycurcumin) are taken at a dose of 12,000 mg per day
at a 95% concentration (Lao C.D. et al. 2006).
Turmeric is a divided into following parts.
1. First Variety is curcuma aromatic or kasturi manjal is known for the fine odour. A
gastric manila is not used for cooking because its bitter taste.
2. The second variety is often employed in sauce powder, which is extensively utilized in
baking. Curry powders are prepared by heating curcumin longa in water and then drying
them before using the powder.
3. The third variety has an extended, circular shape that resembles a tiny kuda and is
employed in rituals and traditions, where people worship the ultimate spirit and use it
as a component of their sacred image at home.

1085 Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences-Zoology / Vol.43B No.1S / January-June 2024
4. The fourth form of turmeric is called black turmeric, and its roots have a little dark
color. Turmeric of this kind is usually used to produce arctic medicine.
5. The fifth variety is a vine known as a mara manjal, which is extremely helpful when
making a very small amount of medication (Pillai S. et al. 2018). As a result, the
turmeric variety is spreading quickly like wildfire in the West.

Curcumin (Curcuma Longa)


Turmeric contains the chemical curcumin, also known as diferuloylmethane. Curcumin (CUR),
a constituent of Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae Family), is scientifically referred to as
diferuloylmethane and has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory (Simol R.C. et al 1973),
anti-carcinogenic (Huang M.T. et al. 1988), con-oxidizing (Sreejayan Rao M.N. et al. 2006),
and hypocholesterolemia characteristics (Rao D.S. et al. 1970). Thus, curcumin was used to
create innovative formulations such as liposomes (Bangham A.D. et al. 1974), solid lipid
nanoparticles (Tiyaboonchai W. et al. 2007), transdermal film microspheres (Vidyalakshmi
K. et al. 2004) and nanoemulsion (Kumar V. Et al. 2002). The digestive system does not
effectively use curcumin's capabilities. After consuming curcumin, minimal quantities of the
compound are seen in the blood and tissues (Wang X. et al. 2008). Primitive 1900 diagnose
curcumin principal over Lampe and Milobadzka. About 2.5% to 6% were found based on its
structure and biological investigation (Siviero A. et al. 2015). Pure curcumin understands of
turmeric. The chemical and biophysical property of curcuminoids was showed in Table 1.

Table 1: Chemical and biophysical properties of curcuminoids (Garcea G. et al. 2005)


Characteristic Cur-I Cur-II Cur-III
Chemical Name Dicinnamoyl 4-OH Bis-4 –OH
Methane Cinnamoyl Cinnamoyl Methane
Methane
Common Name Cur DemethoxyCur Bisdemethoxycurcumin
Colour Bright orange Bright orange Bright orange yellow
yellow yellow
Amount present (%) 77 17 3
Molecular Mass (g/mol) 368.4 338 308.1
Melting Point (°C) 183-186 172.5-174.5 224.5
Neutral Solvent(water) Poorly soluble Poorly soluble Poorly soluble
Solubility in Organic Soluble Soluble Soluble
Solvents
Solubility in Hexane or Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble
Ether
Excitation/Emission 420/530nm 420/530nm 420/530nm
Excitation/Emission 536-560nm Unknown Unknown

A small molecule produced via reticule copolymerization enhanced as a resolvent, either via
biological or physical means, is referred to as a nanogel. Defined cross-linked bifunctional
networks of ionic and non-polar polymers, such as polynucleosomes and poly glycol (PEG)
(Dorwal D. et al. 2012), gave rise to the term “Nanogel”. The normal size range of nanogel is

1086 Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences-Zoology / Vol.43B No.1S / January-June 2024
20-200nm (Bencherif S.A. et al. 2009). Nanogels are the incised complements of hydrogels
that are associated with the ownership of crystallize with the collision in ways such as
microhetrogeneous structure, small diameters, and a resurface-volume ratio. Nanogels are
characterized by their balance, fluff, and swelling in superior solvents. They are also referred
to as “nanoscaler polymer networks”, “gel nanoparticles” and “nanoscale hydrogels” etc.
Nanogel is a popular, high-profile product that is dedicated to the criticism of being used as a
medication delivery system. They combine extraordinary solubilization capability, nearly
reduced viscosity, intriguing thermal stability, and the ability to withstand indirect sterilizing
methods (Tan J.P. et al. 2010). Drugs and biological substances may be drawn to nanogel.
They have a wide range of applications in gene and protein delivery. Because of their hydrofoil
structure, nanogels can effectively encapsulate quadraphonic medicines. Nanogel formulations
add an advanced greedy drug delivery system for less soluble drugs. The free drug's biological
absorption is increased rather than its solubility and strength being increased (Soni G. et al.
2016). Their characteristics include a strong affinity for aqueous solutions, dominance,
dormancy in both the internal and fundamental circulation, and usefulness for molecular bulk
addition (Rigogliusosa S. et al. 2012). They are also being researched as an advantageous
carrier for the delivery and vital uptake of proterons, peptides, and other biological compounds.
Materials and Methods
Drug, chemicals and experimental animals
The drug curcumin was purchased from Loba chemie Pvt. Ltd. (with a purity ≥ 98%). Tween
80 and polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Pvt. Ltd, India,
Gelling agent Aloe Vera was purchased from ND Care Nirogam Pvt. Ltd. Dimethyl Sulfoxide
(DMSO) was purchased from ACS laboratory Pvt. Ltd. Loba chemie, ND Care Nirogam and
Sigma-Aldrich are recognized for its stringent quality control measures and adherence to
international standards, ensuring the reliability and purity of the chemicals procured for
research and experimentation purposes. All other chemicals and solvents used in the
experimental work were of analytical grade.
In this study male albino wistar rats weighing about 200-250g (10-12 weeks old) were used.
Experimental specimens were obtained from the Animal Ethics committee, Kharvel Subharti
College of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut.
Method of preparation of AL-CUR-NEG
The aloe vera based curcumin loaded nanoemulgel formulation was prepared by using the
spontaneous emulsification method (Donsi et al. 2011). Optimized nanoemulsion formulation
was incorporated into aloe vera gel base to obtain AL-CUR-NEG formulation (Conxita S. et
al. 2012). Varying amount of optimized curcumin nanoemulsion concentrations was combined
with aloe vera gel base for the synergistic effect of aloe vera gel against wound infection
(Muhtadi et al. 2020).
Spectrophotometry
U.V. spectrum of drug sample was measured using U.V-Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Model
No. FTIR8100). Sample (10mg) was weighed and transferred to 100mL volumetric flask and
diluted with ethanol suitably. Then stock solution was diluted to 10 times and U.V. spectrum
was scanned in the range of 400-800nm (Hassan S.S.M. et al. 1980). U.V. spectrum of the
procured sample of curcumin showed a maximum absorption at 425nm which is identical with
reported value in certificate of analysis.

1087 Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences-Zoology / Vol.43B No.1S / January-June 2024
Analytical Methodology (Spectrophotometric method)
Accurately weight the quantity (10.0mg) of curcumin on analytical balance (Shimadzu Model
No. AY220), and was dissolved in 10mL ethanol taken in amber color volumetric flask. It was
marked as the primary stock solution of drug having concentration (1000μg/mL). 1.0mL of this
primary stock solution was taken in another volumetric container diluted to 10.0mL with
ethanol to obtain concentration of 100μg/mL solution (Luykx D.M.A.M. et al. 2008). This
solution was taken in volumetric container. It was denoted as secondary stock solution. Further,
ten different aliquots from secondary stock solution was taken in different test tubes (measuring
1, 2, 3, 4 & 5mL) and diluted with ethanol to get the concentration of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5µg/mL). The
absorbance of resulting solutions was measured at λmax 425nm by using U.V- Vis
spectrophotometer instrumentation (Shimadzu Model No. FTIR8100) keeping ethanol solution
used as a blank (Hassan S.S.M. et al. 1980). The entire procedure was repeated thrice. A graph
was plotted between absorption v/s concentration value of resulting solution in excel sheet of
MS Excel software and statistical parameters were determined as correlation coefficient and
regression line.

FT-IR spectroscopy
Fourier transforms infrared absorption spectrum of the curcumin was determined directly
through FTIR-Bruker Alpha E ATR model at 900cm-1 to 4000cm-1 from the faculty of
pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut U.P.

Particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential


Particle size of aloe vera based curcumin loaded Nanoemulgel formulation was measure by
using Zetasizer (Zetasizer 3000 HAS, Malvern Instruments Ltd, Worcestershire, UK). Particle
size and polydispersity index (PDI) measurements were done using polystyrene cuvettes
containing filtered deionized water, which were then diluted and examined at a fixed 90° angle.
Using a laser-based multiple angle particle electrophoresis analyzer, the zeta potential of the
optimized formulation was evaluated (Kawakami S. et al. 1998). The optimized formulation
was dispersed in distilled water and then put the sample in an electrophoretic cell.
Rheology study
The viscosity of AL-CUR-NEG formulation was measured using a Brookfield viscometer for
3 minutes at 25°C and 10rpm (Gadkari et al. 2019).
Spreadability
This block is fastened with a ground glass slide. Placed on this ground slide is an excess of the
nanoemulgel under examination (about 2 gm). Between this glass slide and another with the
dimensions of a fixed ground slide, the nanoemulgel was positioned and equipped with a hook.
To remove air and create a consistent layer of nanoemulgel between the slides, a 500g weight
was placed on top of each of the two slides for 5 minutes. The excess amount of nanoemulgel
was removed by scraping off the slide edges. The length of time (in seconds) needed for the
top slide to travel a certain distance can be calculated with the use of thread that is fastened to
the hook (Shadab et al., 2020). Better spreadability was observed with shorter time interval.
Spreadability of AL-CUR-NEG formulation was calculated by using the formula.
Weight tied to upper slide (M) × Length of glass slides (L)
Spreadability =
Time taken to separate the slides completely from each other (T)

1088 Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences-Zoology / Vol.43B No.1S / January-June 2024
Ex-vivo skin permeation study
Male albino wistar rats were shave of their dorsal skin hair and sliced into a circle. After that,
the removed skin was submerged in phosphate buffer (PB) at pH of 7.4 for 30 minutes. AL-
CUR-NEG (5g) was placed on the donor compartment of the Franz diffusion cell, and the
receptor solution (PB) pH 7.4 was stirred at 37±0.5°C at 100rpm. Small aliquots (5mL) sample
were collected in different time interval and were measured using a U.V-Vis spectrophotometer
(Shimadzu Model No FTIR8100) at 425nm. Cumulative AL-CUR-NEG permeated (μg/cm2)
was calculated from the detected AL-CUR-NEG concentration (Kim B.S. et al. 2008).
In-Vivo Study
Experimental animal protocol
The animal protocol to carry out the in-vivo wound healing activity examination was approved
by the institutional ethical committee (Faculty of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand Subharti
University, Meerut) and followed their guidelines to perform the studies
(1204/PO/Re/S/08/CCSEA/24-11). Albino wistar rats (weight about 200-250g) were used for
the wound healing study. The animals were kept under standard laboratory conditions
(temperature: 25±2°C; relative humidity: 55±5%). The animals were housed in polypropylene
cages, with free access to a standard laboratory diet and water. Animals were anesthetized
under aseptic conditions, using 50mg/kg Ketamine hydrochloride intraperitoneally (Chollet
J.L. et al. 1999). All animals were placed on a plain surface, their back hair was shaved, and a
deep wound (about 8mm) was created using a sharp biopsy punch (Acu punch, Acuderma Inc,
Louderale, FL, USA).
All animals were divided into four groups with six rats in each group. Group I was the negative
control group with no any type of treatment, group II was the treated group with the marketed
preparation of 1% w/w Cipladine cream twice a day, group III was the group treated with 0.5%
curcumin-gel twice a day, and group IV was the group treated with 0.5% AL-CUR-NEG twice
a day. All the treated groups (Group II, III, and IV) received the therapy for 20 consecutive
days.
Wound healing activity
Wound healing area activity was performed in terms of wound contraction percentage, wound
closure time, and epithelialization period (Nagar H.K. et al. 2016). Percentage of wound
contraction was calculated taking the initial size of the wound area as 100% by using the
following formula.

% wound contraction = × 100
Results and discussion
U.V. Spectrophotometer
According to this present study, standard curve showed in Figure 1 that the maximum
absorbance at 0.638 the lowest absorbance at 0.120 and r2 value (≈0.9964) was near about r2
value 0.999. It was useful to calculate the concentration of curcumin (Luykx D.M.A.M. et al
2008). So, they are slightly equivalent to the reference standard curve of curcumin.

1089 Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences-Zoology / Vol.43B No.1S / January-June 2024
0.8

0.6

y = 0.1258x + 0.004339
R2 = 0.9964
Absorbance

0.4

0.2

0.0
0 2 4 6
Concentration (µg/mL)

Figure 1: Standard curve of curcumin in ethanol

FT-IR spectroscopy
The Figure 2 & 3 showed the FTIR spectra of dried powder of curcumin and AL-CUR-NEG
from different regions. The main active constituents of curcuminoids present in curcumin. The
peak and shoulders was shown the functional groups present in the curcumin and Nanoemulgel
formulation. From the analysis, the FTIR spectra showed similar peaks, which can be
interpreted as a similar profile of curcumin chemical components (Vazquez P.P. et al. 2000).
The differences in obtained peak intensities caused due to the different levels of chemical
contents present in the dried powder of curcumin and Nanoemulgel formulation.

1090 Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences-Zoology / Vol.43B No.1S / January-June 2024
Figure 2: FTIR spectra of Curcumin

Figure 3: FTIR spectra of Curcumin

The peak obtained at 3,371cm−1 to 3,200cm-1 may be due to the presence of stretching vibration
of the OH bond. The obtained peak at 2800cm−1 to 3000cm−1 due to C-H aromatic stretching
vibration and peaks obtained at 1,624cm-1 to 1,800cm-1 due to the presence of C=O double
bond stretching. CH2, CH3 and C-H bending stretching vibration mode due to the obtained
peaks 900cm-1 to 1,400cm-1.

Particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential


Droplet size and its polydispersity index of optimized formulation was determined using
Malvern zeta sizer. Graphical representation of obtained result was showed in Figure 4.
Optimized formulation was existed in the droplet size range of 385.9nm with uniform size
distribution. Mean droplet size of formulation was good arrangement to the definition of

1091 Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences-Zoology / Vol.43B No.1S / January-June 2024
nanoemulsion (50-200nm) with good polydispersity index indicates uniformity of droplets size
(Kawakami S. et al. 1998).

Figure 4: Particle size analysis of optimized formulation

Rheology study and Spreadability of AL-CUR-NEG


AL-CUR-NEG formulation effectiveness was determined in term of several evaluation
parameters. Those evaluated parameters were showed in Table 2. Spreadability of AL-CUR-
NEG formulation was depending on the viscosity. Viscosity of AL-CUR-NEG formulation
was determined by using Brookfield viscometer and it was found to be 46800±2.214cps for
AL-CUR-NEG formulation and 50876±2.262cps for marketed formulation. Hence
spreadability of both formulations was determined using glass slides and it was found to be
30.5±2.17gm.cm/sec. for AL-CUR-NEG formulation and 29.68±1.27gm.cm/sec. for marketed
formulation. The prepared AL-CUR-NEG formulation should be easily spreadable in term of
marketed formulation.

Table 2: Rheology, spreadability of AL-CUR-NEG & marketed formulation


S. No. Evaluation Parameters AL-CUR-NEG Marketed formulation
formulation

1. Viscosity (cps) 46800±2.214 50876±2.262

2. Spreadability (gm.cm/sec) 30.5±2.17 29.68±1.27

1092 Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences-Zoology / Vol.43B No.1S / January-June 2024
Ex vivo skin permeation
The cumulative AL-CUR-NEG permeated for 48 hours from the AL-CUR-NEG
(106.62±4.20μg/cm2) was higher than the marketed formulation (93.34±3.54μg/cm 2). The
graphical representation was showed in Figure 5.

120
Cumulative % drug release

100

80
Amount of drug released
60 (µg/cm2) from marketed
formulation
40 Amount of drug released
(µg/cm2) from AL-CUR-
20 NEG

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Time (Hours)

Figure 5: Cumulative % drug releases from AL-CUR-NEG and marketed formulation

In the ex-vivo skin permeation study, the presence of tween 80 aided the drug penetration
through the skin membrane because tween 80 plays the role of a penetration enhancer,
extracting the stratum corneum lipids and subsequently plunging the stratum corneum barrier
ability (Khurana S. et al. 2013). Further study is needed to compare the penetration of AL-
CUR-NEG formulation with maketed conventional gels formulation so that the difference can
be assessed.

In-vivo wound healing activity


Curcumin from the AL-CUR-NEG and traditional curcumin gel was assessed for wound
healing effectiveness and contrasted with the widely available Cipladine formulation. The
topical administration of the examined formulation in wistar rats was observed for duration of
20 days. Appearance and contraction of the wound was observed at the days 1, 4, 8, 12, 16 and
20. Figure 6 & 7 showed the wound healing contraction percentage as the wound size at day
one was considered 100% (Nagar, H.K. et al. 2016).

1093 Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences-Zoology / Vol.43B No.1S / January-June 2024
Figure 6: In-vivo wound healing activity in albino wistar rats

120
Group I
Control
100
% Contraction of wound area

80 Group II
Marketed
60 formulation

40 Group III
Curcumin
gel
20
Group IV
0 Curcumin
Day 1 Day 4 Day 8 Day 12 Day 16 Day 20 nanoemulgel
Number of days

Figure 7: Percentage contraction of wound area for wound healing activity.


On the fourth day of post-wound observations group I animals showed signs of edema and
exudates. The three treated groups exhibited decreased inflammation, a soft thrombus without
discharge, and a decreasing order of wound healing activity, with Group IV > Group II > Group
III. Furthermore, on day eight, brown-reddish tissues were seen forming in the wounds of
groups I and III; on day six, however, this structure was noticed forming in groups II and IV

1094 Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences-Zoology / Vol.43B No.1S / January-June 2024
(but not showed in Figure 6).
When compared to the untreated control group (Group I), all of the treated groups (Groups II,
III, and IV) showed a remarkable wound healing activity (Nagar, H.K. et al. 2016). In
particular, the groups treated with formulation AL-CUR-NEG (Group IV) and the groups
treated with marketed cream cipladine (Group II) almost completely treated the wound
contraction at study end, or day 20. The untreated group needed 16 days to properly epithelize
the wound that was observed, while the three treated groups needed 14 days, 11 days, and 10
days, respectively, to properly epithelize their wounds: Group III received curcumin gel
treatment, Group II received cipladine cream treatment, and Group IV received AL-CUR-NEG
treatment (Castro Souza J.D. et al. 2017).
Figures 6 and 7 show that the animals treated with the AL-CUR-NEG formulation system and
cipladine marketed cream (a conventional medicine) had nearly equal wound healing activity.
Curcumin is widely recognized for its ability to promote wound healing activity (Tejada S. et
al. 2016). However, when compared to the traditional curcumin gel formulation, the AL-CUR-
NEG formulation significantly increased curcumin's ability to promote wound healing activity
(Akbik D. et al. 2014).
Conclusion
In present study, AL-CUR-NEG formulation was prepared by spontaneous emulsification
method. Drug excipient compatibility study was confirmed by FT-IR. Designed AL-CUR-
NEG formulation was optimized on the basis of particle size, zeta potential viscosity and
spreadability. Optimized AL-CUR-NEG formulation evaluated for ex vivo skin penetrability
attributes along with in-vivo wound healing efficacy in albino wistar rats. Thus, it can be
concluded that nanoemulgel was prepared with enhance solubility, permeability as well as
bioavailability of Curcumin was safe, effective and promising formulation for the treatment of
wound healing.

List of Abbreviations
NEG: Nanoemulgel; CUR: Curcumin; AL: Aloe Vera; PEG: Poly ethylene glycol; DMSO:
Dimethyl Sulfoxide; FTIR: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy PDI: polydispersity
index; ML: Milliliter; nm: Nanometer; mg: Milligram; μm: Micrometer; cm: Centimeter; ppm:
Parts per million; RPM: rotations per minute; UV: Ultraviolet; Conc: Concentration; °C:
Degree Celsius; Hrs: Hours; Min: Minutes; Lit: Litre; μg: Microgram.

Ethics approval and consent to participate: Yes

Competing interests: The author has declared that no conflicts of interest exist.

Funding: No financial support

Author’s Contribution: In the present research article, V, SS given the contribution in the
preparation of AL-CUR NEG formulation and perform all the entire experimental studies. MK,
GV analyzed the present research study data related to related to wound healing treatments
approaches and were the most important contribution in making the manuscript. All authors
read and approved the final manuscript.

1095 Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences-Zoology / Vol.43B No.1S / January-June 2024
Acknowledgements: We are thankful to the management of Faculty of Pharmacy, Swami
Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India, for providing the necessary
formulation laboratory, library, internet and animal facilities for the completion of this research
paper.

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