Volume-2 ,Issue-4, April-2026

The present study was designed to investigate the phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity, and wound healing efficacy of Euphorbia cyathophora leaf extract formulated into a topical herbal gel. Methanolic extraction of shade-dried leaves yielded 2.95% semisolid crude extract, which on preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, carbohydrates, and steroids/triterpenoids. Quantitative estimation showed appreciable total phenolic content (59.5 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (57.5 mg rutin equivalent/g), indicating strong antioxidant constituents. The extract demonstrated concentration-dependent DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 50.35 µg/mL. The formulated Carbopol-based gels exhibited acceptable physicochemical properties including suitable pH (5.8–6.6), good viscosity, satisfactory spreadability, homogeneity, and absence of skin irritation. In vitro antimicrobial studies showed significant activity with a maximum zone of inhibition of 14 mm. Furthermore, in vivo evaluation using the excision wound model in Wistar rats revealed enhanced wound contraction and faster epithelialization in treated groups compared to control. Overall, the findings suggest that Euphorbia cyathophora possesses notable antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties, supporting its potential use as an effective herbal topical formulation for wound management.

Keyword: Euphorbia cyathophora, Herbal gel formulation, Phytochemical screening, Antioxidant activity, DPPH assay, Antimicrobial activity, Wound healing, Excision wound model