Formulation, Development and Validation of a Wound Healing Herbal Ointment from Extracts of Bidens pilosa and Aloe barbadensis

Abstract

Various studies have been done to assess the wound healing potential of Aloe barbadensis and Bidens pilosa. Plant materials/ extracts that have been used in most of those studies have shown superior/ comparable efficacy with respect to positive controls used. However, there remains a big gap concerning standardisation of doses to use since there is no information on how the doses used in these experiments are determined. This study aimed at formulating and preparing a herbal ointment (BILOE-8) from Aloe barbadensis and Bidens pilosa; establishing the quality, wound healing efficacy and toxicity profile of the prepared herbal ointment. Ethanolic extracts of the leaves of the study plants were prepared and screened for presence of alkaloids, flavonoids (B. pilosa), and anthraquinones (A. barbadensis). Formulation of BILOE-8 was by fusion. Standard tests for ointment quality and microbiological stability were done. An experimental controlled study was carried out to determine the efficacy of BILOE-8 which appears black with a smooth surface, is consistent, spreads easily on dry skin, washable but leaves a green stain that disappears with time. No observable physical, chemical, and microbiological changes were observed. BILOE-8 had the fastest rate of wound reduction, and the shortest epithelialization and healing times compared to the other treatments. No cutaneous changes were observed within 24 hours. A herbal ointment formulated from Aloebarbadensis and Bidens pilosa is therefore an efficacious wound healing remedy that should be considered as an alternative medicine for wound management.