PREPARATION AND PRIMARY EVALUATION OF WOUND HEALING CREAM FROM ANDROGRAPHIS ECHIOIDES NEES

L. Gopi*, M. Nithish Khanna*, S. Parathasarathi, S. Nithyasri, R. Nithiya Sree and K. Naveen Kumar

ABSTRACT

The present study focused on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal skin cream incorporating an aqueous extract of Andrographis echioides Nees. A preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, proteins, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and tannins, confirming its potential therapeutic properties. Various cream formulations (F1 to F5) were prepared using different gelling agents and excipients. The physical and chemical characteristics of the creams—including pH, viscosity, spreadability, washability, greasiness, and thermal stability—were assessed. All formulations demonstrated homogeneity, good consistency, non-greasiness, and easy washability. Importantly, no irritancy or microbial growth was observed, and FT-IR analysis confirmed the compatibility of the plant extract with various excipients. Stability studies conducted over three months under accelerated conditions (40 ± 2 °C/75 ± 5% RH) showed no significant variations in appearance, pH, or other critical parameters. Overall, the study suggests that the developed herbal creams, particularly formulation F4, are stable, safe, and effective for topical application.

Keywords: Andrographis echioides Nees, Herbal Cream, Wound Healing.