Herbal emulgel containing Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Nigella Sativa L. (Black Cumin) oils in wound management: Preclinical investigations

Context: In wound management, traditional use of plants has received attention by the scientific community, as traditional medicines are a valuable source of affordable, comprehensive medical care. Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) and Nigella sativa Linn (Black cumin) are well-known versatile medicinal plants with wide spectrum of biological activity. Methods: This study was undertaken to evaluate the wound healing activity of neem oil (NO) and black cumin oil (BCO) in rats. The oils were standardized using standard procedures. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis and high-performance thin-layer chromatography fingerprinting of oils were carried out to identify major phytoconstituents present in the oils. The oils were suitably incorporated in carbopol-based emulgel formulation, evaluated for physicochemical parameters and stability. Results: The wound healing potential assessed by the measurement of wound contraction and histopathology studies in excision and burn wound models, demonstrated comparable efficacy with standard nano-crystalline silver gel (0.002% w/w). This may be attributed to the presence of phytoconstituents such as nimbidin and thymoquinone present in selected oils. Polyunsaturated fatty acid profile of BCO may be responsible for stimulating the release of vascular endothelial growth factor, which plays a significant role in accelerating wound healing process. Conclusion: Topical carbopol-934 base emulgel containing natural oils such as BCO and NO have been successfully prepared for wound management. However, further studies to establish the mechanistic aspects of wound healing needs to be undertaken.