Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL GEL FROM FICUS BENJAMINA L. LEAVES FOR WOUND HEALING AND ANTI-INFLAMMATION.

Mr. Eknath Dnyaneshwar Bedarkar*, Dr. Mangal S. Gaikwad, Dr. Sampat D. Navale

ABSTRACT

Ficus benjamina L. leaves possess significant therapeutic potential due to the presence of various bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, caffeic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol derivatives. The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal gel prepared from Ficus benjamina L. leaf extract for wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities. Literature findings revealed that the plant exhibits strong antimicrobial, antioxidant, pro-wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory properties, which support its traditional medicinal applications. Phytochemical investigations confirmed the presence of important secondary metabolites responsible for tissue repair and reduction of inflammation. Previous studies demonstrated that Ficus benjamina extracts significantly inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8 and promoted wound healing activity. The herbal gel formulation was therefore developed to provide a safe, effective, and plant-based topical therapy for wound management and inflammatory conditions. The formulation was evaluated for physicochemical parameters, stability, spreadability, pH, homogeneity, and therapeutic efficacy. The findings suggest that Ficus benjamina L. leaf-based herbal gel can serve as a promising natural formulation for wound healing and anti-inflammatory treatment with potential pharmaceutical applications.

Keywords: Ficus benjamina L., Herbal gel, Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory activity, Phytochemicals, Flavonoids, Antimicrobial activity.