The Formulation of Herbal Nanogel for Wound Healing Using Clitoria Ternatea

Abstract

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a nano-gel incorporating the plant extract of Clitoria ternatea (Butterfly Pea) for enhanced wound healing and antimicrobial activity. Clitoria ternatea is a well-known medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, and saponins, which possess significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. In this project, the ethanolic extract of Clitoria ternatea was utilized due to its enhanced solubility and stability. The nano-gel was formulated using Carbopol as the gelling agent, along with appropriate stabilizers and preservatives to ensure long-term stability. The prepared formulation was evaluated for physicochemical parameters, including pH, viscosity, spread ability, and drug release profile. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against common wound-infecting pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The formulation demonstrated improved skin penetration, rapid wound contraction, and enhanced collagen synthesis, indicating superior therapeutic effect.

Introduction

Wound Healing:
Wound healing is a complex, multi-phase biological process involving haemostasis (clot formation), inflammation (immune response), proliferation (cell growth and tissue formation), and remodeling (strengthening and restoration). Key receptors like EGFR and TGF-βR regulate cell proliferation, inflammation, and collagen synthesis essential for tissue repair.

Clitoria ternatea (Butterfly Pea):
A perennial climbing vine native to tropical Asia, known for its vivid blue flowers rich in anthocyanins. Traditionally used in medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It promotes wound healing by enhancing cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and reducing inflammation.

Phytochemicals:
Contains flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), anthocyanins (delphinidin), triterpenoids (ursolic acid), alkaloids (clitorin), and phenolic acids (gallic acid), which interact with EGFR and TGF-β receptors to stimulate wound repair.

Pharmacological Potential:
Demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, and wound healing effects. These properties make it a promising candidate for therapeutic use.

Nanotechnology in Wound Healing:
Nano gels—hydrophilic polymer networks—enable controlled drug release, improved bioavailability, moisture retention, and targeted delivery of active compounds, enhancing wound treatment efficacy.

Literature Survey:
Studies confirm Clitoria ternatea’s antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound healing effects, especially when incorporated into nano gel formulations, improving epithelialization, collagen synthesis, and infection control.

Research Aim:
To evaluate the wound healing and antimicrobial efficacy of a Clitoria ternatea nano gel, including safety and statistical analysis.

Materials & Methods:
Extraction of Clitoria ternatea using solvents followed by formulation into a nano gel using Carbopol as a gelling agent, with triethanolamine for pH adjustment, glycerine as humectant, methylparaben as preservative, and rosewater for soothing effects.

Conclusion

The formulated nano-gel incorporating Clitoria ternatea extract has demonstrated promising results in enhancing wound healing and exhibiting antimicrobial properties. The optimized formulation showed improved stability, effective drug release, and superior therapeutic efficacy when compared to conventional gel formulations. The study highlights Clitoria ternatea as a viable candidate for topical nano-gel formulations in the treatment of wounds and skin infections. Further research involving clinical trials and scalability assessments will be crucial to establishing its broader pharmaceutical potential. The integration of this natural extract in modern drug delivery systems provides a sustainable and effective approach for improved healthcare outcomes.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Bhagyshree Mote, Atharv Pathak, Sakshi Raskar, Siddhi Pise, Sanika Pawar, Janak Rajpurohit. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.