Introduction: Acute and chronic wounds that are prone to complications require innovative therapies to ensure healing. Centella asiatica, a plant with anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and antioxidant properties, exhibits potential in combination with hydrogel-based transdermal devices. To develop and evaluate a hydrogel transdermal patch using sodium alginate and incorporating Centella asiatica extract as a wound healing promoter by way of controlled release and skin affinity. Materials and Methods: Six formulations (F1–F6) were tested. Pre-formulation experiments employed UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy for verification of phytoconstituent presence and compatibility. Visual examination, pH determination, swelling index, tensile strength, and in vitro drug release studies were some of the post-formulation analyses. Results: FTIR confirmed functional groups without any detrimental polymer-extract interactions, while UV-Vis spectroscopy identified peaks indicative of triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolics. Flavonoids and other healing chemicals in wounds were identified through phytochemical screening. All patches possessed skin-compatible pH (6.2–6.5) and high visual quality. F6 formulation showed better hydration and endurance with the highest tensile strength (1.63 N/mm2) and swelling (210%). Based on in vitro analysis, F6 provided controlled release by delivering 99.1% of the extract within 24 hours. Discussion: The developed sodium alginate–Centella asiatica hydrogel patch exhibited excellent mechanical strength, swelling capacity, and controlled drug release, confirming its suitability for wound healing applications. The presence of triterpenoids and flavonoids contributed to enhanced antioxidant and regenerative activity at the wound site. The F6 formulation showed optimal polymer cross-linking, ensuring flexibility and sustained release for prolonged therapeutic action. These findings align with previous studies reporting improved healing with Centella asiatica-based hydrogels. Overall, the formulation demonstrates strong potential as a natural, biocompatible alternative to conventional wound dressings. Conclusion: As a promising wound-healing agent, the sodium alginate–Centella asiatica hydrogel patch, especially F6, had excellent mechanical, physical, and release properties. A biocompatible, effective alternative to traditional dressings for use in clinics is provided by a blend of natural polymers and herbal bioactives.
Srivastava et al. (Fri,) studied this question.