Formulation and Evaluation of Ficus Bengalensis Aerial Root Extract-Based Herbal Gel for Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex biological process often impaired by microbial infections, necessitating effective antimicrobial therapies. This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal gel using aerial root extracts of Ficus benghalensis (Indian Banyan tree), known for its traditional medicinal applications. The aerial roots were extracted using Soxhlet apparatus with various solvents, and phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, and tannins—compounds with known therapeutic activities. Eight gel formulations (F1–F8) were developed using Carbopol 940 as the gelling agent and evaluated for parameters such as physical appearance, pH, drug content, Spreadability, viscosity, antimicrobial activity, and in-vitro drug diffusion. All formulations exhibited smooth texture and yellowish-amber color. The drug content ranged from 93.8% to 100.24%, with F5 showing the highest content. pH values were within the skin-compatible range (6.23–7.56). Among the formulations, F5 demonstrated superior viscosity (28,803 cP) and the highest in-vitro drug diffusion (75 ± 3%) over 8 hours. Antimicrobial testing against Staphylococcus aureus indicated significant bacteriostatic activity. These results suggest that the F5 gel formulation is a promising candidate for topical wound healing due to its optimal physicochemical properties and effective antimicrobial performance.