FORMULATION AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFICACY OF A HERBAL WOUND DRESSING INCORPORATING CASSIA AURICULATA, POVIDONE IODINE, AND ALPHA TOCOPHEROL

Abstract

Background: Chronic wounds and the inflammation associated with them pose significant challenges in clinical settings. Traditional wound dressings often fail to adequately address these issues, prompting the exploration of alternative treatments that incorporate natural herbal remedies. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of a novel wound dressing formulated with Cassia auriculata, povidone iodine, and alpha-tocopherol, comparing its efficacy to that of standard anti-inflammatory agents.

Materials and Methods: The herbal-based wound dressing was prepared by incorporating extracts of Cassia auriculata with povidone iodine and alpha-tocopherol. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using three different assays: Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) Denaturation Assay, Egg Albumin Denaturation (EA) Assay, and Membrane Stabilization Assay. These assays were performed at multiple concentrations ranging from 10 µg/mL to 50 µg/mL, with results compared to a standard anti-inflammatory agent.

Results: The BSA Denaturation Assay revealed that the herbal dressing inhibited protein denaturation by 51-68%, closely matching the performance of the standard agent across all concentrations. Similarly, in the EA Assay, the herbal dressing exhibited 53-62% inhibition of protein denaturation, often slightly surpassing the standard. The Membrane Stabilization Assay showed that the dressing stabilized cell membranes with 52-63% efficacy, demonstrating comparable performance to the standard.

Discussion: The consistent anti-inflammatory performance of the Cassia auriculata-based dressing across various assays highlights its potential as an effective therapeutic alternative. The presence of povidone iodine and alpha-tocopherol likely enhances the formulation's efficacy, combining antimicrobial properties with potent antioxidant effects, which are crucial in managing wound inflammation.

Conclusion: The herbal-based wound dressing, incorporating Cassia auriculata, povidone iodine, and alpha-tocopherol, exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of standard treatments. This formulation presents a promising alternative for managing inflammation in wound care, suggesting further clinical evaluation and potential adoption in therapeutic settings.