Topical Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Bacterial Activity of Viola Betonicifolia Cream in Animal Models

Abstract

Background:  Viola Betonicifolia is a medicinal plant used locally for various ailments, such as inflammatory and painful conditions.

Objectives:  Owing to its traditional uses, pharmaceutical dosage form as Viola Betonicifolia creams (VBC) were formulated from its aqueous extract with different concentrations (1, 3 and 10%). Creams were tested for anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity using paw inflammation edema, neck burning and leg surgical blade cut experimental models. Further the VBC was also subjected for in-vitro antibacterial activity

Methods: Heated 18 mm metallic coin was used for both induction of edema in the paw and burning of neck of the healthy rabbits. Similarly, anesthetized leg was given  a measurable cut with surgical blade for wound healing activity. Inflammation, burn and wounds were treated with VBC in the different concentrations. The antibacterial effect against Staphylococcusaureus, Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coliwas determined by Disc diffusion method

Results:  In comparison with negative control (distilled water treatment), VBC demonstrated significant reduction in the inflamed and burned areas of the paw and neck respectively, showing its potential anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, the VBC 3% exhibited a moderate antibacterial effect with average inhibition of the bacterial cultures compared to standard clarithromycin.

Conclusion: Taken together, VBC cream demonstrated considerable anti-inflammatory effect in paw edema and burn, wound healing effects on skin. Formulation of cream was stable on accelerated humidity and temperature. Therefore, it is suggested to use the formulated form of Viola Betonicifolia for treatment of burns, edema and other types of topical inflammatory disorders.