Phytochemical and therapeutic evaluation of actiniopteris semiflabellata (Mett.) Copel gel for wound repair

Background Natural products are valuable sources of wound-healing agents. However, the phytochemical composition and wound-healing potential of a topical gel derived from Actiniopteris semiflabellata (Mett.) Copel has not been sufficiently explored. This study is the first to provide a detailed investigation of the phytochemical profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and wound-healing potential of A. semiflabellata . Aim This study was designed to formulate an herbal gel incorporating Actiniopteris semiflabellata extract and to assess its stability, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and initial wound healing efficacy in experimental rats. Methods A. semiflabellata was extracted by maceration, followed by phytochemical identification and evaluation of antimicrobial activity and antioxidant capacity using the ferric–bipyridine reducing capacity (FBRC) assay. Two gel formulations of A. semiflabellata extract were prepared, and their stability was evaluated over a period of one year. The effects of these formulations on wound healing were assessed using wound contraction measurements and histopathological analysis. Results A. semiflabellata extract exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa , as well as antifungal activity against Candida albicans . The extract showed strong antioxidant activity in the FBRC assay. Both gel formulations were stable for one year. In wound- healing studies, Formula I (5% gel) showed the fastest wound contraction, achieving complete closure (100%) by day 26, followed by Formula II and Solcoseryl® gel, which also achieved full healing. The control group showed slower wound contraction (99.5%). Overall, Formula I demonstrated superior wound healing efficacy compared to Formula II and the standard drug. Conclusion The 5% Actiniopteris semiflabellata gel exhibited remarkable wound-healing efficacy compared to the standard treatment. A. semiflabellata possesses significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which collectively support and accelerate tissue repair.