Comparative study with extract of Daucus carota seeds and standard market product for wound healing potency

Wound healing is a highly regulated and complex biological process involving a cascade of cellular and molecular events such as hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling of tissue. Any disruption in this sequential healing process can lead to delayed wound closure, infection, and chronic wound conditions, especially in immunocompromised individuals and patients with metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus (Guo & DiPietro, 2010). Despite the availability of a wide range of synthetic and semi-synthetic topical formulations such as silver sulfadiazine, povidone-iodine, and various corticosteroid-based creams, many of these are associated with issues like delayed healing, cytotoxicity, microbial resistance, and high cost (Boateng & Catanzano, 2015). Consequently, the exploration of plant-based alternatives has gained momentum, owing to their multi-targeted mode of action, biocompatibility, affordability, and reduced side effects.

Wound healing is a natural and dynamic physiological process that restores the structural and functional integrity of the skin after injury. It involves a cascade of tightly regulated events including inflammation, cell proliferation, extracellular matrix deposition, angiogenesis, and remodeling. These stages are interdependent, and any disruption in this orderly sequence can result in impaired wound healing, chronic wounds, or excessive scar formation (Eming, Martin, & Tomic-Canic, 2014). The body's innate ability to heal wounds is often compromised in individuals with comorbid conditions such as diabetes, immunodeficiency, or vascular diseases. In such cases, the use of topical agents to accelerate and enhance healing becomes essential.

Modern wound care science has focused significantly on the development of pharmaceutical formulations that not only offer protection from microbial invasion but also support tissue regeneration and reduce oxidative stress. However, synthetic wound care products are often associated with adverse reactions, high production costs, and limited accessibility, particularly in rural and resource-constrained settings (Martin, 1997). As a result, there has been growing interest in integrating traditional medicinal knowledge into modern healthcare systems to promote safe, effective, and affordable wound healing interventions.

Medicinal plants have been extensively documented in ethnopharmacological literature for their role in skin regeneration and infection control. Bioactive phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids contribute to anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and collagen synthesis-promoting activities each of which plays a vital role in accelerating wound healing (Shanbhag et al., 2019). In recent years, various herbs including Centella asiatica, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, and Curcuma longa have been studied for their topical wound healing effects and have shown promising clinical and preclinical outcomes (Hewlings & Kalman, 2017).

Daucus carota, commonly known as wild carrot or “Queen Anne’s lace,” belongs to the Apiaceae family. Traditionally, its seeds have been used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for treating skin infections, wounds, and inflammation (Kumar et al., 2022). The seeds are reported to contain essential oils rich in bioactive constituents such as carotol, daucol, and α-pinene, which exhibit strong antimicrobial and antioxidant effects (Pandey et al., 2014). Despite its traditional significance, the scientific validation of its wound healing efficacy through comparative and controlled studies remains limited, especially in lotion-based formulations.

Most available commercial topical agents are developed through synthetic chemical processes. While effective, these formulations often lack long-term safety validation and may not be suitable for sensitive skin or long-term use (Pereira & Bartolo, 2016). Therefore, developing and testing herbal-based formulations with proven traditional use like Daucus carota and comparing them directly with market standards provides a scientifically sound strategy to bridge traditional knowledge with modern pharmaceutical needs. Comparative studies also help establish the relative effectiveness, safety, and potential of plant-based alternatives in clinical and commercial applications.

This study aims to formulate a topical herbal lotion using ethanolic extracts of Daucus carota seeds and evaluate its wound healing activity using excision and incision models in Wistar rats. The study includes a comparative evaluation against a standard marketed wound healing product to validate the therapeutic efficacy of the plant extract. Parameters such as wound contraction rate, epithelialization period, tensile strength, and histopathological analysis were used to establish the wound healing potential of the herbal formulation. This research not only supports the use of traditional knowledge but also contributes to the growing field of herbal drug standardization and formulation.

Limitations of Conventional Topical Wound Treatments

Conventional topical formulations such as antiseptic creams, silver-based dressings, hydrogels, and corticosteroids have long been used in clinical wound management. While these agents may demonstrate immediate antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects, several studies have raised concerns about their long-term application. For example, silver sulfadiazine, a widely used antimicrobial cream, has been reported to delay wound contraction and impair re-epithelialization (Poon & Burd, 2004). Similarly, iodine-based preparations may lead to cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts and keratinocytes, key players in tissue regeneration (Kramer et al., 2004). Moreover, the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance makes reliance on synthetic agents increasingly unsustainable.

These limitations have driven the search for bio-compatible, cost-effective alternatives that can match or surpass the efficacy of existing synthetic formulations. In this context, herbal medicines and plant-based bioactive formulations have emerged as promising candidates in wound management strategies.

The Revival of Herbal Medicine in Dermatology and Wound Care

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Unani for treating skin infections, ulcers, cuts, and burns. Today, modern science is rediscovering and validating the pharmacological basis of these age-old practices. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 80% of the global population relies on traditional medicine for primary healthcare, particularly in developing countries (WHO, 2013).

The resurgence of interest in herbal wound healing agents is due to their multi-targeted therapeutic actions. Medicinal plants often contain a plethora of phytochemicals including flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and essential oils that exert antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-stimulating effects (Mukherjee et al., 2017). These compounds not only protect against microbial contamination but also enhance cellular processes essential for healing, such as fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, and granulation tissue formation.

Numerous plants such as Centella asiatica, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Curcuma longa, and Azadirachta indica have been widely studied for their role in accelerating wound closure and tissue repair (Shanbhag et al., 2019). However, several other potentially valuable species remain under-researched despite strong ethnobotanical support for their use in traditional wound care.

Daucus carota Seeds: An Untapped Botanical for Skin Healing

Daucus carota, commonly known as wild carrot or "Queen Anne's lace," is a biennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. While its root is widely consumed as a vegetable, the seeds of Daucus carota have a long-standing history in traditional medicine systems for their medicinal properties. In Ayurveda, they are believed to exhibit carminative, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing properties (Kumar et al., 2022). The seeds are rich in essential oils, primarily composed of carotol, α-pinene, limonene, and daucol bioactive compounds known to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties (Pandey et al., 2014).

Preliminary phytochemical studies have revealed that Daucus carota seed extract contains polyphenols and flavonoids, which can play a vital role in free radical scavenging during oxidative stress a common problem in wound pathology (Omidbeygi et al., 2005). The seed oil has also demonstrated notable antibacterial and antifungal effects against common skin pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Escherichia coli (Meena & Sethi, 2017). Despite these encouraging attributes, there is limited scientific literature that systematically evaluates the wound healing potential of Daucus carota seed extracts in controlled experimental models.

Importance of Comparative Scientific Validation

To promote the integration of herbal formulations into mainstream healthcare, it is imperative to conduct comparative evaluations with existing pharmaceutical products. Such studies provide measurable data on the efficacy, safety, and advantages of traditional remedies in modern therapeutic contexts. By directly comparing Daucus carota seed extract with a standard commercial wound healing cream, researchers can assess whether the natural formulation offers equivalent or superior outcomes. Parameters such as rate of wound contraction, epithelialization time, tensile strength of the skin, and histopathological healing patterns are crucial indicators that help establish the therapeutic relevance of herbal products in evidence-based medicine.

A comparative approach also supports regulatory validation, enhances consumer confidence, and promotes the scientific standardization of herbal formulations often seen as a barrier in phytopharmaceutical development (Ekor, 2014). Given the global push toward natural and sustainable healthcare solutions, especially in light of rising chronic diseases and healthcare costs, such plant-based alternatives represent a significant advancement.

Anand et al. (2022) Traditional knowledge, particularly in the context of ethnodermatology, represents a rich cultural heritage of plant-based practices passed down through generations among specific tribes and communities in India. Despite its long-standing use, the application of medicinal plants for skin disorders remains underexplored from a modern scientific perspective, especially in terms of chemical, microbiological, and clinical validation. This review aims to compile and highlight the traditional use of medicinal plants for treating dermatological conditions in India, offering insights into their pharmacological potential and relevance within Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine. Using key search terms across databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and NISCAIR, data from 178 articles were analyzed, resulting in 119 records documenting plant use against 39 different skin diseases. These records provide detailed information on plant species, parts used, preparation methods, administration routes, and geographic distribution. The majority of treatments involve topical application, with pharmacological studies showing that many of the most cited plants exhibit anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and wound-healing effects in various biological models. The findings reinforce the significance of traditional herbal therapies as complementary approaches to skin care, particularly in regions where modern treatments are either inaccessible or unaffordable. This review concludes that ethnodermatological practices hold substantial promise for the discovery and development of safe, effective, and sustainable dermatological agents, although further scientific and clinical studies are essential to confirm their efficacy. By encouraging deeper exploration of these plant-based traditions, this work seeks to support the evolution of ethnodermatology as a vital contributor to the future of natural skincare therapeutics.

Gaikwad et al. (2022) Herbal cosmetics are defined as cosmetic products formulated using natural herbs and their derivatives, valued both for their aromatic properties and therapeutic benefits. Growing consumer awareness about the harmful effects of synthetic ingredients has significantly increased the demand for natural products and plant-based extracts in cosmetic formulations. Lotions, classified as liquid external preparations, are typically applied directly onto the skin using absorbent materials such as cotton wool or gauze. These preparations are designed to provide hydration, nourishment, and protection to the skin without requiring mechanical friction. Various formulations, including aloe vera lotions, menthol lotions, and lotions incorporating arrowroot powder, have been developed using different compositions to address specific dermatological needs. The primary focus of the present research is the formulation and evaluation of an herbal lotion aimed at moisturizing and nourishing the skin, while leveraging the bioactive compounds inherent in herbal extracts. With the increasing usage of cosmetics as an integral part of the personal care system, the inclusion of bioactive plant ingredients has gained attention for their ability to enhance biological functions of the skin and supply essential nutrients necessary for maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Numerous herbs naturally possess potent antioxidant properties, making them ideal candidates for use in skin care preparations aimed at reducing oxidative damage and delaying the aging process. The present study highlights that herbal cosmetics are generally safer, posing minimal risk of toxicity or adverse reactions compared to many commercially marketed synthetic cosmetic products. Furthermore, the application of herbal lotions can help prevent common skin problems, promoting overall dermal health and offering a natural, effective alternative to conventional skincare products.

Kore et al. (2023) provided a comprehensive ethnopharmacological and experimental assessment of Daucus carota, commonly known as wild carrot or Queen Anne's Lace, emphasizing its Ayurvedic medicinal significance and wound healing potential. The study traced the plant’s origin from Europe to North America, where it was introduced as a medicinal herb used in traditional systems of healing. Within Ayurvedic practice, Daucus carota is reputed for its Mehahara (ability to treat urinary tract disorders), Deepana (enhancing digestive fire), Pachana (aiding digestion), and Rochana (appetite stimulation) properties, which align with its detoxifying and nutritive functions in systemic health. However, beyond its internal use, the study focused on the wound healing efficacy of the ethanolic extract of Daucus carota leaves (DCEE), tested using a rat excision wound model. The in vivo results revealed that topical application of DCEE significantly enhanced wound contraction rate, epithelialization, collagen synthesis, and tissue regeneration, as compared to untreated control groups. These effects were attributed to the rich content of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids present in the leaves, which exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities all crucial factors for effective wound healing. The study also highlighted that DCEE-treated wounds showed improved histological characteristics, including greater fibroblast proliferation and denser granulation tissue, suggesting accelerated dermal remodeling and restoration of skin integrity. Kore et al.'s work not only confirms the therapeutic value of Daucus carota in external wound management, but also provides a strong empirical foundation for its incorporation into modern herbal formulations, such as the topical lotion being developed in the present thesis. The findings substantiate the use of Daucus carota extracts from both root and aerial parts in wound healing and support their broader application in natural skin therapeutics and phytopharmaceutical development.

Francis et al. (2023) Aftershave gels are widely used cosmetic products that traditionally contain a high percentage of alcohol, primarily employed for its antiseptic, astringent, and wound-healing properties. Alcohol helps prevent infection from minor cuts and soothes the skin after shaving. However, alcohol-based aftershave gels are often associated with skin irritation, dryness, and burning sensations, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Recognizing these limitations, the present study was aimed at formulating and evaluating an aftershave gel with reduced alcohol content, utilizing the extract of Hemigraphis colorata a medicinal plant known for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Ethanol was used as the solvent for extracting bioactive compounds from Hemigraphis colorata leaves. Three gel formulations were developed: F0, a conventional formulation containing 50% alcohol; F1, a formulation containing three-fourths the alcohol content of F0; and F2, a novel formulation containing the reduced alcohol concentration along with Hemigraphis colorata extract at 50 mg/mL. All gels were subjected to physicochemical evaluation, including pH measurement, viscosity analysis, and antimicrobial testing against bacterial strains. Results indicated that the formulation containing Hemigraphis colorata extract (F2) exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to the conventional alcohol-only gel, without the associated adverse effects of high alcohol content. This outcome suggests that the incorporation of Hemigraphis colorata not only compensates for the reduced antimicrobial efficacy due to lower alcohol levels but also adds therapeutic benefits such as reduced inflammation and improved wound healing. Consequently, Hemigraphis colorata emerges as a promising plant candidate for the development of aftershave gels with reduced alcohol content, offering a safer, more skin-friendly alternative for consumers. The study further emphasizes the potential of integrating plant-derived bioactive agents into modern cosmetic formulations to improve efficacy while minimizing side effects traditionally associated with chemical components like ethanol.

Mishra et al. (2023) Anethum sowa (dill) has been recognized since ancient times as a valuable aromatic, culinary, and medicinal herb, known particularly for its essential oil rich in bioactive compounds such as limonene and carvone, which exhibit antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antifungal properties. Similarly, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) is widely acclaimed for its skin-soothing, healing, and moisturizing effects, traditionally used to treat a variety of dermatological conditions such as rashes, dry skin, psoriasis, dermatitis, and inflammation. In the present study, both plants were utilized to formulate a topical cream intended to combat Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections, a common skin pathogen increasingly resistant to conventional antibiotics. Creams were prepared as semisolid emulsions with smooth, non-greasy, washable textures, and incorporated different concentrations of plant extracts. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed using the cup plate method, revealing that all formulations demonstrated zones of inhibition proportional to the extract concentration. Notably, Formulations F3 and F4 exhibited the best antimicrobial and physical properties, suggesting that the combination of Anethum sowa’s essential oil and aloe vera’s phytoconstituents such as lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols, and sulfur exerted a synergistic antibacterial and moisturizing effect. The creams also proved to be physically stable and well-tolerated, with no signs of irritation, indicating their safety for topical application. This is particularly significant given the limitations of synthetic treatments such as corticosteroids and petroleum-based creams, which may lead to adverse effects like skin atrophy, systemic absorption, allergic reactions, and dryness when used over sensitive or intertriginous skin areas. Based on the results, the multipurpose herbal cream containing Anethum sowa and Aloe barbadensis presents a safe, effective, and natural alternative for managing dermatitis and other skin infections, offering a plant-based substitute that minimizes side effects associated with conventional therapies.

Plant Material and Authentication

Seeds of Daucus carota (Apiaceae) were collected from Jaipur, Rajasthan, and authenticated at the Department of Botany, Rajasthan University. The authenticated seeds were shade dried, ground into coarse powder, and stored in airtight containers for further processing.

Extraction Procedure

Ethanolic extracts of the powdered Daucus carota seeds were prepared using four different techniques: maceration (72 h at room temperature), decoction (30 min at 100°C), Soxhlet extraction (6 h at 60–70°C), and hot reflux (3 h at 70°C). Extracts were filtered, concentrated using a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure, and stored at 4°C.

Formulation of Herbal Lotion

A herbal lotion was formulated using the ethanolic extract of Daucus carota at 5% w/w concentration. The lotion base was an oil-in-water emulsion containing stearic acid, emulsifying wax, glycerin, light liquid paraffin, preservatives (methyl- and propylparaben), and pH adjuster (triethanolamine). The formulation process involved separate heating of oil and aqueous phases, emulsification, cooling, and incorporation of the extract under homogenization.

Physicochemical Evaluation

The formulated lotion was evaluated for appearance, pH (digital pH meter), spreadability (glass slide method), and viscosity (Brookfield viscometer). Stability was assessed over 90 days under varied conditions (8°C, 25°C, and 40°C at 75% RH).

In-vivo Wound Healing Study

Adult Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into four groups: negative control, standard marketed product, ethanolic extract, and formulated lotion. A full-thickness excision wound model was used. Parameters assessed included wound contraction (planimetry), epithelialization period, and histological evaluation (H&E staining).

Skin Irritancy and Washability Tests

Patch tests and washability assessments were conducted to ensure dermal safety and ease of removal of the lotion. Observations for erythema and edema were made at regular intervals and scored using the Draize scale.

Statistical Analysis

All values were expressed as mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used for multiple group comparisons. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

In-Vivo Wound Healing Results

In-vivo wound healing studies are essential for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of topical formulations under physiological conditions. These studies provide insight into the biological activity of the formulation, particularly its ability to promote tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and accelerate wound contraction. In the present investigation, the wound healing potential of the developed herbal lotion containing Daucus carota seed extract (Batch F3) was assessed using an excision wound model in laboratory animals. The performance of the lotion was compared with a negative control (untreated group), the extract applied alone, and a standard marketed ointment commonly used for wound healing. Observations were recorded at regular intervals over a 16-day period, focusing on wound contraction as a key parameter for assessing healing progress. The results offer a comprehensive evaluation of the lotion’s effectiveness in enhancing wound closure, and demonstrate the added benefits of the formulation matrix in improving the bioavailability and action of the herbal extract.

·        Wound Contraction Analysis

Wound contraction is a critical parameter in the evaluation of in-vivo wound healing potential, as it directly reflects the rate at which a wound closes and tissue regeneration progresses. In this study, the wound healing efficacy of the formulated herbal lotion (Batch F3) was compared with a standard marketed ointment, the extract alone, and a negative control over a 16-day observation period. Wound contraction was measured at fixed intervals (Days 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16), and the percentage of wound closure was calculated using standard planimetric methods.

Table 1: % Wound Contraction over 16 Days

Graph 1: Wound Contraction Over 16 Days – Comparative Study

The data clearly demonstrate that the herbal lotion (F3) exhibited the highest rate of wound contraction throughout the study period, even outperforming the extract used alone and approaching the healing efficacy of the standard commercial ointment. By Day 16, the F3 group achieved a 96.8% wound closure, compared to 91.4% in the standard group and 89.2% in the extract-only group. The negative control group showed the slowest healing response with only 46.1% contraction by Day 16. The superior performance of F3 can be attributed to the enhanced bioavailability and skin retention of the active phytoconstituents when delivered through the lotion matrix. The presence of emulsifiers, moisturizers, and absorption enhancers in the lotion base likely facilitated better penetration of Daucus carota bioactives, promoting faster tissue regeneration, collagen synthesis, and epithelialization. Furthermore, the lotion’s spreadability and viscosity may have contributed to prolonged contact with the wound site, ensuring sustained therapeutic action. These findings strongly indicate that the formulated herbal lotion offers excellent wound healing potential, making it a viable and possibly superior alternative to conventional herbal extracts and even some marketed preparations. Its rapid contraction rate, near-complete wound closure, and formulation advantages support its use in therapeutic skin care, especially for wound management and regenerative dermatology.

·        Period of Epithelialization

Epithelialization is a vital stage in the wound healing process, representing the reformation of the epidermal barrier over the wound bed. It is a key indicator of complete tissue regeneration and functional skin recovery. The shorter the epithelialization period, the more effective the treatment is considered, as it indicates faster healing, reduced infection risk, and restoration of skin integrity. In this study, the period of epithelialization was evaluated across four groups Negative Control, Standard Ointment, Extract Alone, and the Herbal Lotion (F3) to compare their healing efficiency in terms of time taken for complete closure of the wound with new epithelial tissue.

Table 2: Epithelialization Time (in Days)

Graph 2: Comparison of Epithelialization Time among Treatment Groups

The results show a significant reduction in epithelialization time for the Herbal Lotion (F3) group, which recorded the fastest re-epithelialization period of 12.8 ± 0.6 days. This was slightly better than the Standard Ointment group (13.4 ± 0.7 days), and clearly superior to the Extract Alone group (14.1 ± 0.9 days), indicating that the formulated lotion enhanced the healing response more effectively than the raw extract. The Negative Control group, with no treatment, required the longest period of 21.8 ± 1.1 days, confirming the natural, slower pace of wound healing in the absence of active therapeutic agents. The statistical analysis using One-way ANOVA revealed a p-value < 0.01, confirming that the differences in epithelialization time among the groups were highly significant. This strongly supports the conclusion that the herbal lotion's formulation base not only facilitated better delivery of bioactive compounds but also created a favorable environment for skin regeneration, likely by maintaining moisture, preventing microbial invasion, and promoting collagen synthesis. The significant reduction in epithelialization time achieved by the herbal lotion (F3) highlights its superior wound healing efficiency. By outperforming both the raw extract and the standard commercial ointment, the formulation demonstrates the advantages of its delivery system and composition. These results reinforce its potential for use as an effective, plant-based alternative in topical wound care therapies.

The present study successfully demonstrated that Daucus carota seed extract possesses significant wound healing potential, validating its traditional use in skin treatment. Through a comparative approach involving both ethanolic extract and a formulated herbal lotion, the study revealed superior or comparable therapeutic outcomes relative to a standard marketed wound healing product. The formulation exhibited favorable physicochemical characteristics including optimal pH, viscosity, spreadability, and stability under accelerated conditions. In vivo results confirmed accelerated wound contraction, reduced epithelialization time, and enhanced histological regeneration in groups treated with the Daucus carota-based lotion. These findings underscore the effectiveness and safety of Daucus carota as a botanical agent in topical wound care, supporting its development into a cost-effective, natural alternative to synthetic dermatological products. Further clinical investigations are recommended to explore its broader applicability and potential for commercial formulation in modern phytopharmaceutical systems.