Formulation and Wound Healing Evaluation in vivo of Ointment Based on Propolis, and Containing Curcumin

Antimicrobial drugs are widely used in commercial ointments to treat different types of wounds.  Unwise use of antimicrobials in ointment formulations only deepens the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Some natural products and plants (Aloe vera, honey, turmeric paste, garlic, and coconut oil) also possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They are able to accelerate the healing of wounds. These wound-healing agents have the ability to suppress the development of pathogenic microflora on the wound surface, prevent the appearance of rotting of damaged tissues, and also have a weak analgesic effect. The aim of the study is to develop ointment formulations based on natural products and assess their physical properties, efficiency and safety for animals. Ointment formulations were prepared by fusion technique using animal fat, propolis, starch and curcumin. Physical evaluation of ointments pH, appearance, spreadability and stability was studied. Skin irritation and wound healing tests were applied on guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). The first ointment contains 20% of Propolis and 5% of starch. The second ointment additionally hold 5% of curcumin. Ointments’ pH was within the optimal limits (6.5±1.3 and 5.6±0.13). Both ointments showed good stability and perfect spreadability (121±3.5 and 112.4±2.6). The microscopic observation confirms higher spreadability of the ointment with curcumin. The ointments caused no irritation for the skin. Propolis ointment enhanced wound closure in male guinea pigs.  Propolis+curcumin have great anti-inflammatory activity. The results showed that propolis and curcumin ointment is not irritable and can be used for wound treatment and healing.