EFFICACY OF NEEM–LIGNOCAINE GEL IN INHIBITING WOUND PATHOGENS FOR WOUND MANAGEMENT: AN IN VITRO EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Wound infections are increasingly complicated by biofilms and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, demanding novel topical treatments that combine antimicrobial and analgesic effects. Azadirachta indica (neem) offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, while lignocaine provides rapid-onset local analgesia. This study aimed to formulate a neem–lignocaine gel and evaluate its antimicrobial efficacy against common wound pathogens.

Methods: Neem extract was prepared from shade-dried leaves via ethanolic extraction and incorporated into a carbopol-based gel with lignocaine hydrochloride. The resulting formulation was tested in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis using agar well diffusion and time-kill assays. Zones of inhibition (ZOI) at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL were compared with standard antibiotics. Time-kill kinetics were monitored over 4 hours. All assays were performed in triplicate.

Results: Neem–lignocaine gel demonstrated concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity across all pathogens. At 100 μg/mL, ZOIs ranged from 12.5 mm (P. aeruginosa) to 14.3 mm (E. faecalis). Time-kill data revealed significant bacterial reduction over 4 hours, especially for gram-positive bacteria; efficacy approached that of conventional antibiotics at the highest concentration.

Conclusion: The neem–lignocaine gel formulation provides promising dual functionality—effective topical antimicrobial action and localized analgesia. Its superior performance against gram-positive pathogens, with moderate activity against gram-negative bacteria like P. aeruginosa, suggests potential for advanced wound care. Further studies involving biofilm models, in vivo testing, and clinical trials are recommended.