MOLECULAR EVALUATION OF A POLYHERBAL FORMULATION (CURCUMA LONGA AND AZADIRACHTA INDICA) IN DIABETIC WOUND HEALING: PHARMACOLOGICAL, GENETIC, AND NURSING OUTCOME ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Diabetic wounds represent a significant clinical challenge due to prolonged inflammation, oxidative stress, impaired angiogenesis, and delayed tissue regeneration. The present study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing potential of a polyherbal formulation containing Curcuma longa and Azadirachta indica through pharmacological, genetic, and nursing outcome assessments in streptozotocin-induced diabetic wound models. The polyherbal formulation was prepared using standardized extracts of both medicinal plants and applied topically to excision wounds in diabetic rats. Wound-healing efficacy was assessed by measuring wound contraction, oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, histopathological changes, gene expression profiles, and nursing outcome parameters.

The results demonstrated that polyherbal formulation significantly accelerated wound contraction, achieving 96.8 ± 2.4% closure by day 21 compared with 71.5 ± 4.8% in the diabetic control group (p < 0.001). Treatment significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels while enhancing antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. Furthermore, significant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were observed. Histopathological examination revealed improved collagen deposition, enhanced fibroblast proliferation, increased angiogenesis, and complete re-epithelialization in treated wounds. Molecular analysis showed significant upregulation of VEGF, TGF-β1, COL1A1, and Nrf2 genes, accompanied by downregulation of MMP-9, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression. Nursing outcome assessment indicated superior wound size reduction, infection control, tissue granulation, and overall healing scores in the treatment group.

In conclusion, the polyherbal formulation exhibited potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and regenerative activities, significantly improving diabetic wound healing. These findings support its potential as an effective and affordable complementary therapeutic strategy for diabetic wound management and warrant further clinical investigation.