Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) seed extract-loaded niosomal thin film as a wound dressing: formulation, optimisation, in vitro and in vivo characterisation

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Leguminosae) (TFG) is an endemic plant of Iran that has a long history of nutritional and medical uses. Regarding constituents of this plant, the current study aimed to prepare, optimise, and evaluate a film-forming wound dressing formulation containing TFG extract-entrapped niosomes. Characterisations, including texture profile analysis, mean diameter and zeta potential of niosomes, and in vitro release investigations, were conducted. Thermal stability parameters of the formulation, such as viscosity, transparency, and homogeneity, were assessed throughout the autoclaving process. The efficacy of the optimised formulation was assessed through in vivo studies on rats and histopathological alterations and wound contraction rate were investigated. The results demonstrated that niosomes with a mean diameter of 96 nm could entrap 58% of the TFG extract. The niosomes have been shown to release the entrapped trigonelline in a sustained manner. Texture profile analyses using a double-bite test revealed that the optimised formulation had an adhesiveness of 125 ± 3 mJ and a cohesiveness of 0.268 ± 0.04. Histopathological investigations found that wounds treated with the film containing TFG extract-entrapped niosomes showed the best healing, with complete closure and reduced inflammation. In conclusion, the optimised formulation could serve as a promising base for developing other sterile wound dressing formulations.