Formulation and Evaluation of Licorice-Based PDRN Cream for Skin Regeneration and Wound Healing

Skin injuries, inflammatory dermatoses, and premature aging remain major concerns that require safe and effective topical therapies. Natural phytoconstituents combined with regenerative biomolecules have gained considerable attention because of their enhanced therapeutic potential and improved safety profile. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a topical cream containing Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract and Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) for skin regeneration, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory activity. Licorice extract, rich in glycyrrhizin, liquiritin, and flavonoids, exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, depigmenting, and anti-inflammatory properties, whereas PDRN stimulates tissue repair by activating adenosine A2A receptors, promoting angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and cellular proliferation. The cream was prepared using an oil-in-water emulsion technique with suitable emulsifying agents, humectants, preservatives, and stabilizers. The prepared formulation was evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, washability, extrudability, drug content, in vitro drug release, skin irritation, stability, and antimicrobial activity. The formulation demonstrated acceptable physicochemical characteristics, good stability, satisfactory spreadability, and compatibility with skin pH. In vitro studies indicated sustained release of the active ingredients, while preliminary biological evaluation suggested enhanced wound healing and reduced inflammation compared with the base formulation. The synergistic combination of Licorice extract and PDRN may represent a promising topical therapeutic approach for wound management, skin rejuvenation, and inflammatory skin disorders. Further preclinical and clinical studies are recommended to establish long-term efficacy and safety.