FORMULATION, EVALUATION, AND WOUND HEALING EFFICACY OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA-LOADED NANOSPONGE GEL: IN VITRO, AND IN VIVO STUDIES

Abstract

Objective: To develop and evaluate a Calotropis procera-loaded nanosponge gel for enhanced topical drug delivery and wound healing by overcoming the limitations of conventional herbal formulations, including poor solubility, limited skin permeability, and rapid drug depletion. Methods: Calotropis procera-loaded nanosponges were prepared and incorporated into a Carbopol-934 gel matrix. The optimized formulation was characterized for physicochemical properties, including pH, rheology, and spreadability. Its performance was evaluated through in vitro drug release, and in vivo wound healing studies using an excision wound model in Wistar rats. Results: The optimized nanosponge gel exhibited a skin-compatible pH (6.9 ± 0.03), desirable rheological properties, and good spreadability. In vitro studies demonstrated sustained drug release for up to 8 h, following first-order kinetics (R² = 0.978) with a diffusion-controlled mechanism. In vivo evaluation showed significantly faster wound contraction, shorter epithelialization time, and improved tissue regeneration compared with the control and standard treatment groups. Conclusion: The Calotropis procera-loaded nanosponge gel provided sustained drug release, enhanced skin retention, and superior wound healing efficacy. These findings suggest that the developed nanosponge-based gel is a promising topical delivery system for herbal therapeutics and offers potential for improved wound management.