Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to develop nanoemulsion formulations of Eucalyptus essential oil (EEO) and to evaluate its wound healing effects in comparison with standard gentamycin in rat model. Various nanoemulsionns of EEO were prepared using aqueous phase titration method and the zones of nanoemulsion were identified by the construction of phase diagrams. EEO nanoemulsions were investigated in terms of physical stability, self-nanoemulsification efficiency and physicochemical characterization. Optimized nanoemulsion of EEO was selected for wound healing study, collagen estimation and histopathological evaluation in rats in comparison with pure EEO and standard gentamycin. Optimized nanoemulsion presented significant would healing activity in rats as compared with pure EEO upon oral administration. The wound healing activity of optimized nanoemulsion was comparable with standard gentamycin. Optimized EEO nanoemulsion also presented significant enhancement in collagen content as compared with pure EEO and negative control. However, the collagen contents of optimized nanoemulsion treated animals were comparable with standard gentamycin-treated animals. Histopathological studies of optimized nanoemulsion treated rats showed no signs of inflammatory cells which suggested the safety and non-toxicity of EEO nanoemulsion. This study suggested the potential of nanoemulsion in enhancing the wound healing activity of EEO upon oral administration.