Development and characterization of a topical spray containing channa striata and anredera cordifolia extracts for wound healing: in vivo evaluation in mice.

Abstract

Objective: This study developed and evaluated the physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity, and wound-healing efficacy of a topical spray combining A. cordifolia and C. striata extracts to optimize their combined natural therapeutic potential.

Significance: Although A. cordifolia and C. striata promote healing, their combined application in a topical spray is underutilized. Therefore, this study aims to develop a functional topical delivery system to enhance their joint therapeutic potential.

Methods: Topical spray formulations were prepared with a fixed 10% (w/v) concentration of C. striata extract and varying concentrations of A. cordifolia extract (F1: 2.5%, F2: 5%, F3: 10%, and F4: 20%). Formulations were evaluated for physicochemical properties and in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella sp. In vivo wound healing was assessed using a 1.5 cm full-thickness excisional wound model in 36 male BALB/c mice, evaluated via macroscopic observation and histological analysis.

Results: F2 (5% A. cordifolia and 10% C. striata) was identified as the optimal formulation, exhibiting compliant physical properties (pH 4.90; viscosity 13.23 mPa·s) and consistent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In vivo, F2 demonstrated significant wound contraction and length reduction compared to the negative control (p < 0.05). Histological scoring showed that F2 and F3 achieved the highest total healing scores (9.80 ± 0.84).

Conclusions: The F2 topical spray is the optimal formulation, offering physical stability, broad antibacterial activity, and accelerated wound-healing efficacy, showing strong potential as a user-friendly natural agent for acute wound management.