Evaluation of liposome-encapsulated Centella asiatica ethanolic extract for enhanced in vitro and in vivo wound healing

Introduction Encapsulating herbal extracts with wound-healing properties in liposomes may enhance their stability and delivery performance. This study evaluated the biological efficacy of a liposome-encapsulated ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica (LEC) using in vitro and in vivo wound-healing models. Methods The ethanolic extract was incorporated into liposomes using the thin-film hydration method. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Cell viability and migration were evaluated in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). In vivo wound-healing efficacy was examined using a rat excision wound model with daily topical application of LEC. Results LEC significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-1β production in a dose-dependent manner and enhanced fibroblast viability and migratory capacity compared with the crude extract and vitamin E controls. In vivo, topical LEC markedly accelerated wound contraction, achieving 99.9 ± 0.1% closure by Day 12, which was significantly greater than the normal saline-treated control ( p < 0.05) and higher than the blank liposome group, while demonstrating comparable efficacy to vitamin E. Histological analysis revealed enhanced re-epithelialization, increased collagen deposition, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in LEC-treated wounds. Conclusion These findings indicate that liposomal encapsulation enhances the bioactivity of C. asiatica extract during the inflammatory and proliferative phases of wound repair, supporting further development of LEC as a topical wound-healing formulation.