Fabrication of Herbal Hemostat Films Loaded with Medicinal Tridax Procumbenns Extracts

Abstract

Biopolymeric materials have been widely explored to encapsulate active agents for food, medical and pharmaceutical applications. In this investigation, we have fabricated herbal film using two natural polymers; sodium alginate and pectin. The films were incorporated with medicinal plant extract of Tridax Procumbenns Linn. (TP) which exhibit blood clotting and wound healing activities. The physical, mechanical and morphological properties of the formulated films were studied. The retention of functional groups of TP extract included in the films, and hence it biological activity, was confirmed by FTIR. Physical characterization of the films containing TP extract revealed significant absorption capacity for SWF (simulated wound fluid), which was observed as ~8 g, SBF (simulated body fluid), which was ~7.2 g, and moisture vapor transmission rate, that was observed as 1500–2000 g/m2/24 h. All these parameters are vital for efficient wound healing. Further, the herbal films exhibited cellular biocompatibility against skin cells and exhibited haemostatic efficiency as indicated by thrombin generation (30 ng/ml) by TP extract loaded film. The herbal films displayed significant anti-microbial activities. Overall, the formulated herbal films exhibited significant potential as an effective material for efficient wound healing.