Development of a herbal cream from the ethanolic extract of leaves of acacia hockii for management of diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a full- thickness wound through the dermis, below the ankle on a weight- bearing or exposed surface in an individual with diabetes mellitus (DM). These ulcerations can have a prolonged period to heal due to invasive attack by numerous bacteria in highly sugar nutritive tissues. The anti-microbial effects of Acacia hockii plant were studied and positive results were found. The plant has been found freely growing in Ugandan communities and is used by natives for different ethno-pharmacy purposes including analgesic, anti- inflammatory, anti diarrhoeal, anti- helmintic, and antioxidant. In this study, the ethanolic extract of leaves of Acacia hockii will be formulated into a cream, evaluated for efficacy and safety, and then used for the management of diabetic foot ulcers. This research was an experimental study design and in-vivo to evaluate the activity of a formulation of ethanolic extract of leaves of Acacia hockii plant. The study was carried out from the Pharmacy and Veterinary Laboratories both of which are departments of Makerere University. The crude powder obtained from the plant was transferred into an enclosed container and macerated in 1.2L of 75% ethanol. The crude extract of the plant was agitated occasionally at room temperature for 5days. The extract of tested positive for tannins, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids that are important in wound healing because they have antibacterial activity. The yield for dry weight for the crude extract of the plant was calculated and obtained as 23.917%. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was calculated and obtained as 256.55mg/ml. The extract was also compared to other agents for percentage wound contraction and the results obtained were very promising. Footfix cream from the ethanolic extract of Acacia hockii was successfully formulated, packaged in unit plastic containers of 30g net weight, and labelled. The backbone of the formula used was Simple cream BP. We used the fusion method to prepare the ointment. In conclusion, Footfix cream is of acceptable quality and physically stable. The cream is effective for wound healing (inclusive of chronic wounds typical of DFU) as it exhibited significant wound healing properties. The extract also showed activity against S.aureus, as evidenced by the zones of inhibition.