In vivo Wound Healing Effects of the Niosomal Formulations Containing Narcissus tazetta L. Bulb Extract.

Abstract

Introduction: In vitro studies have demonstrated the wound-healing effects of Narcissus tazetta L. bulb. This study investigates the wound healing effect of different topical niosomal creams and gel of the standardized extract of Narcissus bulb in an animal model.

Methods: Niosomes were prepared by the thin film hydration method using percolated extraction of Narcissusbulbs and characterized pharmaceutically. Two niosomal (Span/Tween 40 with alcoholic plant extract and Span/Tween 60 with aqueous botanical extract lipid vesicles) creams and gels containing aqueous or alcoholic bulb extract were investigated in wound healing in male Wistar rats compared to Alpha® ointment.

Results: The mean volume diameter of prepared niosomes was between 6.87 and 18.70 μm, 48 hours after preparation. The niosomal formulations of Narcissus bulb extract, whether in cream or gel form, enhance wound healing by enabling advanced penetration of encapsulated herbal compounds.

Discussion: On the 7th day after wound formation, the wound surface of the cream and gel groups had a significant decrease compared to the control group, but on the 9^th day, a significant difference was observed only between the gel group and the control group. On the 11^th day, the wound surface area reduction of Alpha® ointment, free extract, and niosomal gel groups was significantly different from the control group.

Conclusion: Niosomal formulations of Narcissus bulb has potential for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications, which require further animal and clinical studies to determine the mechanism of action and potential side effects.