Preparation, characterization, and wound healing efficacy of Tridax procumbens L. herbal ointment

Abstract

Traditional medicinal plants are crucial in primary healthcare due to their safety, low cost, and therapeutic effectiveness.  Tridax procumbens L. (Asteraceae), commonly known as coat buttons, is frequently used in folk medicine for wound healing and the treatment of skin infections. This study aimed to formulate a herbal ointment containing a Tridax procumbens L.leaf extract and to evaluate its physicochemical properties, stability, antimicrobial activity, and wound-healing effectiveness. The leaves were collected, authenticated, shade-dried, ground into powder, and utilized for ointment preparation. The resulting herbal ointment was assessed based on various parameters, including color, odor, consistency, pH level, spreadability, extrudability, diffusion characteristics, loss on drying (LOD), solubility, washability, non-irritancy tests, melting point determination, and moisture content analysis, as well as stability under varying temperature conditions. Results indicated that the ointment exhibited acceptable physicochemical properties, good spreadability, and appropriate pH, and demonstrated excellent stability. Furthermore, the formulation demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity and promising wound-healing properties, supporting the traditional use of Tridax procumbens L. This study concludes that Tridax procumbens L.can be effectively incorporated into herbal topical formulations as a safe and economical alternative to synthetic wound-healing agents.