Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part E (2025)

This study aimed to develop, optimize and evaluate Withania somnifera Nanolipidcarrier (WS-NLC) for wound healing. Withanolides are the main active constituent of Ashwagandha WS has antioxidant activity, immune system regulation, anti-inflammatory antiageing benefits and wound healing. Thirteen formulations were prepared by high pressure homogenization method according to central composite design. The effects of solid concentration (X1) and liquid lipid (X2) on the particle size (Y1), PDI (Y2), zeta potential(Y3) and entrapment efficiency(Y4) were explored. The optimized nanolipidcarriers exhibited particle size 147.9nm, entrapment efficiency 89.99% and PDI 0.173. NLCs were incorporated into a Carbopol 940 gel base for topical application. The formulation demonstrated high drug content (97.5% w/w) and favourable rheological properties. In vitro drug release studies indicated an initial burst followed by sustained release (89.66% at 12 h). The kinetic analysis of drug release obeys zero-order release model. In vivo study, 30 Wistar rats in five groups were used and wound was induced by excision method with the help of Biopsy punch tool. Wound healing studies in rats showed reduced healing time and accelerated wound closure in the treatment group than in the control group. The developed NLC-based gel presents a promising strategy for localized, sustained delivery in chronic wound management.