Natural Extract-Loaded Herbal Patches: Assessment for Biomedical Application.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Natural Product Chemistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Dermatology

Background:

• Moringa oleifera Lam. and Selaginella bryopteris L. are recognized for their medicinal properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant activities relevant to wound healing.
• Extracts from these plants show potential in accelerating wound healing by enhancing fibroblast functions and providing antioxidant benefits.
• The development of novel drug delivery systems, such as patches, is crucial for effective biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of patches loaded with Moringa and Selaginella extracts for biomedical applications.
• To assess the antibacterial and antioxidant efficacy of these plant extracts and their formulated patches.
• To characterize the physicochemical properties, in vitro release, and biocompatibility of the developed patches.

Main Methods:

• Cold maceration was used to prepare extracts from Selaginella bryopteris L. and Moringa oleifera Lam.
• Antibacterial activity, antioxidant potential, and physicochemical properties of extracts and patches were evaluated.
• In vitro release studies, cell viability assays, and biocompatibility tests were conducted on the prepared patches.

Main Results:

• Both plant extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant potency and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, and S. aureus.
• Patches exhibited good uniformity, thickness, and folding endurance with acceptable moisture uptake.
• In vitro release studies showed favorable drug release profiles, and cell viability assays indicated increased cell proliferation and non-toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Moringa and Selaginella extracts and their formulated patches possess excellent antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus.
• The developed patches are uniform, reproducible, and exhibit favorable drug release characteristics.
• The patches are biocompatible, non-toxic to cells, and promote cell proliferation, indicating their suitability for wound healing applications.