Development of Phytochemical-Enriched Herbal Gels from Burseraceae Plants for Anti-Infective Wound Management

Introduction: Boswellia serrata, Canarium strictum, Commiphora caudata, and Commiphora wightii (Burseraceae) have proven wound-healing and antimicrobial effects due to their rich phytochemical composition. The present study sought to prepare, compare, and assess phytochemical-enriched herbal gels of these species for wound management and anti-infection. Materials and Methods: Authentication of the bark samples was performed by drying them in the shade, followed by sequential extraction with solvents of decreasing polarity in a Soxhlet apparatus. Ethanolic extracts (with the highest phytochemical yield of 10.5%- 12.5%) were added to Carbopol 934 at 2% w/w extract and sodium alginate gel base at 2% w/w extract. Gels were tested for pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, and stability as per ICH Q1A(R2) requirements. ATR-FTIR analysis was used to verify the presence of functional groups that had bioactive constituents. Results: The gels had dermally compatible pH (6.8-7.0), viscosity (5,000-8,000 cP), and extrudability (>90%). After one month of stability test at 40 ± 2°C and 75 ± 5% RH, no substantial physicochemical modifications were noted. The spectrophotometric data were verified by FTIR spectra, which identified boswellic acids, guggulsterones, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. Discussion: The best extraction solvent was ethanol, as it yielded a wide range of active metabolites due to its mid-polarity. The developed gels were found to be pharmaceutically stable and appropriate for topical delivery. Conclusion: The best extraction solvent was ethanol, which yielded a wide range of active metabolites. The herbal gels were exhibited to be pharmaceutically stable and have a promising future as topical wound treatments.