Formulation and Evaluation of Portulaca grandiflora Ethanolic Extract Herbal Transdermal Patches for Diabetic Wound Management

Abstract

This study successfully created, analyzed, and assessed a new herbal polymeric transdermal patch that integrates an ethanolic extract from Portulaca grandiflora, aimed at enhancing the management of wound healing in diabetes. Initial phytochemical analysis confirmed a significant presence of various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins, with the highest total flavonoid concentration noted at 200 µg/mL. The transdermal patches were meticulously produced using the solvent-casting technique with a polymer blend made up of sodium alginate and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Thorough physicochemical assessments affirmed excellent mechanical and barrier characteristics, including consistent weight distribution, suitable thickness, high folding endurance, surface pH, and structural robustness. Additionally, in vivo studies conducted with a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model indicated that the application of the developed patches significantly sped up wound healing, lowered elevated blood plasma glucose levels, and helped maintain stable body weight in comparison to the untreated control group. Importantly, the higher dosage of 400 mg/kg showed enhanced, dose-related therapeutic effects. These findings highlight the substantial combined anti-diabetic and wound-healing capabilities of Portulaca grandiflora herbal transdermal delivery systems for superior therapeutic purposes.