Assessment of Potential Therapeutic Effect of Combined Thymus serpyllum and Ascorbic Acid Loaded Hydrogel Against Wounds

Abstract

Skin is the outermost layer covering 15% of the body and shields it against extrinsic factors, when get disrupted formed wound. It always remains a challenge for clinician as skin desecration open a gap for the microbes to invade causing morbidity and mortality. There are different treatment options available and are already in practice but limitations restrict their uses. To overcome the limitations, microemulsion-based hydrogel can be used with Thymus serpyllum and ascorbic acid as active ingredient. The microemulsion was formulated by using titration method. 40 formulations of microemulsion were prepared and short listed according to certain criteria, droplet size and zeta potential was measured as well. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis were performed for Thymus serpyllum and bioactive assays including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial assays were performed for both plant extract and selected microemulsion. Skin irritability test was performed to know the safety of microemulsion for its tropical use. Selected microemulsion was tested for its ability to heal excision and diabetic wounds. All the results were statistically significant p<0.05. Microemulsion formed had droplet size 94.95 + 7.1 nm and -14.6 + 0.9 mV zeta potential. T. serpyllum seed extract contains essential phytochemicals The microemulsion showed more bioactivity as compared to plant extract. Skin irritability test was negative for microemulsion as no sign of skin dryness and color change was observed. The difference was significant for wound healing in different groups. Microemulsion showed more healing activity as compared to other groups in both excision and diabetic wounds. Microemulsion healed 100% wounds in diabetic wounds and 99% excision wounds within 10 days.