Investigating the Wound Healing Activity of Silymarin Nanoemulsion Loaded in Chitosan Gel

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex biological process involving a series of coordinated cellular and molecular events to restore tissue integrity and functionality. Challenges in achieving optimal wound healing have prompted the search for innovative therapeutic strategies. In recent years, nanotechnology-based approaches have gained attention for their potential in promoting wound healing outcomes. Silymarin, a natural polyphenolic compound, possesses diverse therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing effects. Loading these compounds in a chitosan-based nanoemulgel formulation enhances their stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery to the wound site. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of silymarin nanoemulsion-loaded chitosan gel (SLY-CS-NEG) through in vitro and in vivo experiments. The evaluation encompassed wound closure percentage, inflammation reduction, and tissue regeneration assessments. The selected formulation No (F6) of SLY-CS-NEG, boasted remarkable characteristics, with a mean droplet size of 49.94±0.21 nm, a negative surface charge of −29.9±0.61, and sustained drug release over the 24 h. Animal experiments unveiled that SLY-CS-NEG significantly promoted wound healing compared to the control group. The results of this study demonstrated that the nanomedicine-based approach utilizing chitosan and nanoemulsion technology presents an innovative solution to overcome the limitations of silymarin and advance wound healing therapies.