A Wound Healing Formulation Based on Iranian Traditional Medicine and Its HPTLC Fingerprint

Herbal therapy was the common treatment prescribed by Iranian physicians for wound healing. “Zemad” was the most ancient pharmaceutical dosage form used in Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) for skin diseases. In the present research, formulation of a traditionally used Poly Herbal Paste (PHP) for wound healing was performed. Moreover, the fingerprint of the product was prepared by HPTLC method for identification and quality assessment of the formulation. A formulation containing Aloe vera, Boswellia carteri and Commiphora myrrha was used in a hydrophilic base. The physical stability and rheological behavior of the formulation was evaluated. Moreover, microbiological tests was performed. Methanol fraction of A. vera, C. myrrha and B. carterri were used as standard materials in HPTLC method. Stability and rheological behavior evaluations as well as microbiological tests showed that the prepared formulation was stable towards physical changes with no growth of pathogenic microorganisms and suitable for topical application. HPTLC fingerprinting of PHP confirmed the presence of compounds corresponding to the plants used in the formula. Regarding to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of the constituents of PHP, the product could be an appropriate candidate for wound healing with respect to its traditional use in ITM. In addition, HPTLC fingerprinting could be used as an applicable method for quality control assessment of the prepared formulation.