Evaluation of Aqueous Creams Containing Ethanolic Extract of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) as Bioactive Ingredient for the Management of Wounds

Abstract Background: Wounds are considered health indispositions with detrimental socio-economic influences on the afflicted and their kin. Curcuma longa or turmeric has been used in the treatment of wounds. Employing the extracts of turmeric as a bioactive ingredient in an aqueous cream could enhance its value in wound treatment. Aim: This study aimed to formulate aqueous creams containing concentrations of ethanolic extract of turmeric (EET) as bioactive ingredients, evaluate their stability and wound healing activities in male Wistar rats using hydroxyproline (HXP) as a biochemical marker. Materials and methods: Solutions of 1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 % w/v of crude EET were prepared and also incorporated as bioactive ingredients in aqueous creams. The stability of the creams was evaluated and their wound healing effects were studied using distilled water, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and cholesterol as controls in male Wistar rats. Results: The creams were stable in colour, pH, viscosity, etc. and exhibited wound healing activities. The animals treated with the crude 1.5 % w/v EET and its cream demonstrated the highest tissue HXP level showing significant percentage differences in tissue HXP levels from the control groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The crude EET has been confirmed to possess wound healing properties with an optimal effective concentration for wound healing in male Wistar rats determined as 1.5 % w/v which when incorporated as a bioactive ingredient in an aqueous cream retained its efficacy in wound healing and could therefore be beneficial in the treatment of body injuries.