INTRODUCTION:

Creams and topical formulations have long been used in the treatment of various skin conditions due to their ability to deliver active ingredients directly to the site of action. These formulations are often preferred over oral medications because they have fewer systemic side effects and offer localized treatment. Among the diverse range of topical agents, herbal creams are gaining popularity because of their natural origins, minimal side effects, and therapeutic efficacy¹.

Herbal remedies, derived from plants, have been utilized in traditional medicine systems across the globe for centuries. They provide an alternative to synthetic drugs, especially for the treatment of chronic ailments and skin conditions. Numerous plants possess pharmacological properties that can aid in wound healing, inflammation reduction, and infection prevention. One such plant, Tinospora cordifolia (commonly known as Guduchi or Giloy), has been widely studied for its healing properties, particularly in promoting tissue regeneration, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the immune response².

Tinospora cordifolia is a climbing shrub indigenous to the tropical regions of India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is known for its potent medicinal properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. The active compounds found in Tinospora cordifolia, such as alkaloids, glycosides, and steroids, are believed to contribute to its therapeutic activities. These bioactive components are particularly effective in accelerating wound healing by enhancing collagen synthesis, promoting epithelialization, and reducing the risk of infections³.

This research focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a cream containing Tinospora cordifolia extract aimed at treating acute wounds. The goal is to prepare a stable and effective topical cream that can promote wound healing while ensuring safety and minimal side effects⁴.

Objectives of the Work.

1. To formulate a topical cream containing Tinospora cordifolia extract with optimal therapeutic properties.

2. To evaluate the physicochemical properties, including appearance, pH, viscosity, and spreadability, of the formulated cream.

3. To assess the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the cream.

4. To conduct in vivo studies to evaluate the wound healing potential of the cream in animal models.

5. To compare the efficacy of the formulated cream with commercially available wound healing products.

Formulation:

The formulation of the cream was based on the principles of herbal extraction and cream base formulation. The active extract of Tinospora cordifolia was incorporated into a cream matrix designed for optimal skin penetration and release of bioactive components.

Ingredients Used:

Active Ingredient: Tinospora cordifolia extract (5% w/w)

Cream Base:

1. Cetyl Alcohol (2% w/w) – for emulsion stability

2. Stearic Acid (2% w/w) – to provide thickness and consistency

3. Glycerin (3% w/w) – for moisturizing properties

4. Liquid Paraffin (6% w/w) – as an emollient

5. Propylene Glycol (1% w/w) – for skin penetration enhancement

6. Triethanolamine (0.5% w/w) – for adjusting pH

7. Purified Water (q.s. to 100% w/w) – as a solvent

Preparation Method:

1. The Tinospora cordifolia extract was obtained by macerating the dried aerial parts of the plant with a suitable solvent (e.g., ethanol) and concentrating the extract.

2. The cream base was prepared by melting the solid emollients (Cetyl Alcohol and Stearic Acid) in a water bath, followed by the addition of liquid paraffin.

3. Glycerin and propylene glycol were mixed into the formulation to enhance skin hydration and penetration.

4. The aqueous phase (water) was heated separately, and triethanolamine was added to adjust the pH.

5. Both phases were then mixed together at controlled temperatures, followed by the incorporation of the Tinospora cordifolia extract.

6. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, and the cream was homogenized to ensure uniform consistency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Materials:

· Tinospora cordifolia plant extract (obtained from a reputable herbal supplier)

· Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Liquid Paraffin, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Triethanolamine

· Laboratory-grade chemicals and reagents for pH and viscosity measurements

· Wound healing models (rat model)

· Standard laboratory equipment (pH meter, viscometer, centrifuge, and others)

Methods:

1. Cream Preparation:

· The cream was prepared using the method outlined above, with necessary adjustments made to ensure the consistency and stability of the formulation.

2. In Vitro Evaluation:

· Antimicrobial Activity: The antimicrobial properties of the cream were assessed using the disc diffusion method against common wound pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

· Antioxidant Activity: The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay was used to measure the antioxidant capacity of the cream.

· Physicochemical Properties: The cream was evaluated for pH, viscosity, spreadability, and stability. The pH was measured using a digital pH meter, viscosity with a Brookfield viscometer, and spreadability using a texture analyzer.

3. In Vivo Evaluation:

· Wound Healing Model: Acute wound healing was assessed in rats by creating a standardized wound on the dorsal surface of each animal. The rats were divided into treatment groups: a control group (untreated), a commercial cream group, and the Tinospora cordifolia cream group.

· Healing Parameters: Wound closure percentage, histological examination of the tissue, and measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) were used to assess healing efficacy.

RESULTS:

In Vitro Evaluation:

· Antimicrobial Activity: The Tinospora cordifolia cream showed significant inhibition against all tested microorganisms, with a larger zone of inhibition compared to the control.

· Antioxidant Activity: The cream exhibited strong antioxidant activity, as evidenced by a high percentage of DPPH radical scavenging.

· Physicochemical Properties: The cream had a pH of 5.5, which is ideal for skin application. The viscosity was found to be within the acceptable range for topical creams, and it exhibited good spreadability and stability after storage at different temperatures.

In Vivo Evaluation:

· Wound Healing: The group treated with the Tinospora cordifolia cream demonstrated faster wound closure, as indicated by a significant reduction in wound size compared to the control group. Histological analysis revealed improved collagen deposition and faster epithelialization.

· Cytokine Analysis: The cream significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), suggesting its anti-inflammatory properties.

DISCUSSION:

The results from the in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that the Tinospora cordifolia cream exhibits significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound healing properties. The cream not only accelerated the rate of wound closure but also exhibited a favorable safety profile with minimal irritation on the skin. These findings support the use of Tinospora cordifolia as a natural and effective agent for the treatment of acute wounds.

The antimicrobial activity of the cream suggests that it could be useful in preventing wound infections, which is a major concern in wound care. The antioxidant properties further enhance the cream's ability to promote tissue regeneration by mitigating oxidative stress at the wound site. The in vivo results demonstrated that the cream could significantly improve healing outcomes compared to the control group, making it a promising alternative to synthetic wound healing agents.

CONCLUSION:

The Tinospora cordifolia-infused cream demonstrated excellent therapeutic potential in the treatment of acute wounds. Its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties make it a promising candidate for future clinical applications. Further studies, including human clinical trials, are needed to validate these findings and explore the cream's long-term effectiveness.

REFERENCES:

1. Patel, P., and Sharma, R. Herbal Remedies in Skin Wound Healing: A Review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2019; 240: 111993.

2. Singh, V., and Singh, R. Pharmacological Properties of Tinospora Cordifolia: A Review. International Journal of Herbal Medicine. 2020; 8(1): 42-47.

3. Bansal, A., and Verma, P. Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Tinospora Cordifolia: A Natural Remedy. Phytomedicine. 2018; 45: 35-42.

4. Kumar, S., et al. Wound Healing and Antioxidant Activity of Tinospora Cordifolia in Animal Models. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. 2017; 11(7): 115-123.

Received on 09.04.2025 Revised on 12.05.2025

Accepted on 02.06.2025 Published on 08.07.2025

Available online from July 12, 2025

Asian J. Pharm. Tech. 2025; 15(3):226-228.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-5713.2025.00034

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.