Formulation development and optimization of herbo synthetic gel: In vitro biological evaluation and in vivo wound healing studies

Sideroxylon mascatense (S. mascatense) is a broad-leaved, evergreen traditional plant with a wide range of therapeutic uses and indigenous to northern Pakistan. This research aimed to formulate and analyze a nanogel containing S. mascatense root extract for its enhanced efficacy, stability, and bioavailability. To form nanogel, the root extract was formulated into the nanoemulsion, which was then incorporated into the gelling agent (Carbopol 974 P). The extract-loaded nanoemulsion has mean droplet size (475.96 +/- 11.47 nm), PDI (0.284 +/- 0.01), and zeta potential ( 4.17 +/- 0.13 mV) within range. Meanwhile, the evaluation results of nanogel showed good homogeneity and suitable pH (5.51 +/- 0.21), viscosity (4356.16 +/- 77.75 cP), and spreadability (6.13 +/- 0.58 gcm/s). The formulated nanogel was stable, as shown by stability results. The drug-loaded nanogel showed significantly higher antibacterial activity and low to moderate and high antifungal activity. Nanogel significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the blood glucose level and significantly (P = 0.05) increased the wound contraction rate in albino rats. It was concluded that root extract of S. mascatense encapsulated in nanogel has enhanced therapeutic potential and can be used as topical delivery.