Design and evaluation of moringa gum-based hydrogel dressings for cutaneous wound healing

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate moringa gum (MG) and carboxymethyl moringa (CMG) for their possible use in hydrogel-based dressings to treat cutaneous wounds. Initially, MG was characterized for its physical, functional, morphological, and thermal properties. The MG and CMG have shown limited toxicity as indicated by hemolytic assay where values were less than 2.5%. Furthermore, these samples also showed antimicrobial potential. The antioxidant potential of MG was slightly greater than its carboxymethyl derivative. Afterward, MG and CMG were encapsulated in sodium alginate-based hydrogel films. These films showed good physical attributes necessary for the end application. These films were tested in an open wound model in rats. The MG containing films showed the highest % wound contraction on the 10th day, that is,79.42 ± 0.46 with low levels of IL6 and TNF alfa. Out of MG and CMG films, the native moringa gum-based thin film showed comparatively higher potential for wound healing and in the future could be a potential candidate for wound healing dressings.