Evaluation and HPLC characterisation of a new herbal ointment for the treatment of full-thickness burns in rats.

OBJECTIVE

Burn injuries are among the most common accidental health problems worldwide, frequently leading to health and socio-economic challenges. Despite this, no standard protocol for managing burn injuries can overcome the adverse effects of currently used drugs. The present study sets out to develop and evaluate the efficacy of new herbal ointments in providing synergistic anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cell-proliferating activities. It also investigates the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) characterisation of these new herbal ointments.

METHOD

Three different concentrations of the new herbal ointment, which incorporates extracts of flower heads, arial parts of , leaves, roots, and myrrh were developed and evaluated. Ointments designed to promote burn-wound healing were prepared and compared with β-sitosterol ointment and silver sulfadiazine cream, as a commercial standards.

RESULTS

According to statistical and histopathological analyses and visual inspections, the new herbal formulas showed faster wound healing, more tolerability, and less toxicity than the commercial standards.

CONCLUSION

The new herbal ointments, developed in our study, have shown promising results. The formula offers mechanical protection without any release of non-biodegradable particles. It maintains the optimum moisture and pH of the skin, while minimising scar-tissue formation. These advantages, in addition to availability, low costs, and easy handling, may support the use of this new herbal formula as an effective and safe alternative treatment, designed to promote the healing of burn injuries.