Evaluation of liposome-encapsulated Centella asiatica ethanolic extract for enhanced in vitro and in vivo wound healing.

Abstract

Introduction: Encapsulating herbal extracts with wound-healing properties in liposomes may enhance their stability and delivery performance. This study evaluated the biological efficacy of a liposome-encapsulated ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica (LEC) using in vitro and in vivo wound-healing models.

Methods: The ethanolic extract was incorporated into liposomes using the thin-film hydration method. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Cell viability and migration were evaluated in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). In vivo wound-healing efficacy was examined using a rat excision wound model with daily topical application of LEC.

Results: LEC significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-1β production in a dose-dependent manner and enhanced fibroblast viability and migratory capacity compared with the crude extract and vitamin E controls. In vivo, topical LEC markedly accelerated wound contraction, achieving 99.9 ± 0.1% closure by Day 12, which was significantly greater than the normal saline-treated control (p < 0.05) and higher than the blank liposome group, while demonstrating comparable efficacy to vitamin E. Histological analysis revealed enhanced re-epithelialization, increased collagen deposition, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in LEC-treated wounds.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that liposomal encapsulation enhances the bioactivity of C. asiatica extract during the inflammatory and proliferative phases of wound repair, supporting further development of LEC as a topical wound-healing formulation.