LC-MS/MS based phytochemical composition profiling and the development of hemostatic in situ gel formulation of...

The natural hemostatic mechanism fails in cases of severe bleeding. It is vital to promptly control hemorrhage during first-aid interventions and surgical procedures. Plant-derived bioactive components and extracts used in folk medicine are promising sources of hemostatic agents with low toxicity. Teucrium polium L. is utilized ethnobotanically in Eastern Anatolia for its hemostatic properties by putting the aerial parts directly on the site of hemorrhage.

This study focuses on developing a strategy for modernizing the traditional use of a plant-based hemostatic agent, T. polium extract, incorporating in situ gel formulations using carbopol and poloxamer.

In order to reveal the phytochemical content of the extract, LC-MS/MS study was conducted. T. polium extract was added to in situ gels at concentrations of 5 % and 10 % w/w. Characterization experiments were performed to achieve the optimal formulation, including rheological evaluation, contact angle measurement, spreadability analysis, and in vitro active substance release rate tests.

The yield of the lyophilized extract prepared with 80 % ethanol was 16.7 %. LC-MS/MS quantitative results showed that the major compounds in the extract were quinic acid, fumaric acid, rutin, cosmosiin, and apigenin. Formulations exhibited low viscosity at room temperature and underwent gelation at physiological pH and temperature (pH 7.4, 37 °C).

In vitro investigations of the in situ gel incorporating T. polium extract indicated that it is an effective formulation for delivering agents to damaged tissue and irregularly shaped bleeding wounds. This study is groundbreaking in the formulation designs of plants used ethnobotanically for hemorrhage management.