Modernization of a Traditional Siddha Medicine Paccai eruvai into a Novel Nanogel Formulation for the Potent Wound Healing Activity-A Phyto- Pharmaceutical Approach

Abstract

Background: Paccai eruvai formulation has been widely used in traditional Siddha practice to treat ulcerous wounds due to the content of potentially active compounds.

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the enhancement potency of wound healing of nanogels containing Paccai eruvai in an incision and excision wound models.

Methods: Paccai eruvai nanogel was synthesized using the high-energy milling method, and characterization and enhancement of the wound healing potential of Paccai eruvai nanogel were assessed.

Results: Reportedly, Paccai eruvai nanogel has been produced successfully and its chemical properties confirmed, and physical properties characterized. Paccai eruvai nanogel showed homogeneity, green color, transparency, and an average size of 19.73 nm. We observed a significant reduction of wound area (p<0.001) in the Paccai eruvai nanogel-treated rats. The percentage of wound contraction on the 16th day was higher than the traditional formulation and nitrofurazone treatment. Notably, a lesser epithelialization period (14.33 days) and higher hydroxyproline content were observed in the 10% Paccai eruvai nanogel rats. We found that 10 % Paccai eruvai nanogel treatment increased tensile strength suggesting a better therapeutic indication.

Conclusion: The present findings indicate that Paccai eruvai nanogel significantly contributes wound healing activities with the enhancement of collagen synthesis, wound contraction, and wound tensile strength.

Keywords: Paccai eruvai; Wound healing; hydroxyproline; nanogels; wound contraction; wound tensile strength.