Synergistic anti-inflammatory and wound healing potential of a Poly-herbal Gel in experimental hemorrhoids

Abstract

Hemorrhoidal disease is a common anorectal disorder characterized by inflammation, edema, and vascular congestion, pain, bleeding, and delayed wound healing. Conventional therapies including corticosteroids, local anesthetics, and surgical procedures are associated with adverse effects, recurrence, postoperative discomfort, and poor patient compliance. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the synergistic anti-inflammatory and wound-healing potential of a poly-herbal gel containing Tephrosia purpurea and Martynia annua in experimental hemorrhoids. Ethanolic extracts of both medicinal plants were prepared using Soxhlet extraction and subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening, which confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, glycosides, alkaloids, and saponins. Poly-herbal gel formulations were developed using Carbopol 934 and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) as gelling agents and evaluated for physicochemical parameters such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, extrudability, and stability. Pharmacological activities were assessed using carrageenan-induced paw edema model, excision wound model, and croton oil-induced hemorrhoid model in rats. The optimized formulation demonstrated significant inhibition of inflammatory edema, accelerated wound contraction, reduced epithelialization period, and marked reduction in anal swelling and bleeding compared with the control group. Histopathological examination revealed restoration of mucosal architecture with reduced inflammatory infiltration and enhanced collagen deposition. The synergistic therapeutic effects observed may be attributed to the combined anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and tissue regenerative properties of phytoconstituents present in Tephrosia purpurea and Martynia annua. The findings suggest that the developed poly-herbal gel may serve as a safe, effective, economical, and patient-friendly alternative for the management of hemorrhoidal disease.