Efficacy and dermal toxicity analysis of Sildenafil citrate based topical hydrogel formulation against traumatic wounds

Abstract Sildenafil Citrate (SC) is a US FDA approved drug, have been used to treat wounds due to their nitric oxide (NO) stimulating activity in the tissue. But, there are only a few studies about the topical effect of this drug on the healing of traumatic wounds. The purpose of the study is to develop topical SC hydrogel (SCH) and to investigate its dermal toxicity and wound healing efficacy in Sprague dawley rats. In the present study, hydrogel containing SC showed no change and stable with respect to pH, homogeneity, spreadability and effiecient encapsulation. SEM analysis represents the uniform texture of the SCH. Acute dermal toxicity of the SCH exhibited that the formulations are devoid of any toxic effects and safe to be used. Percentage of wound contraction, re-epithelization, tensile strength and biochemical parameters such as hydroxyproline, collagen, total protein and NO content at dermal level prove the wound healing efficacy of prepared SCH. In addition, histopathology confirmed that the SCH promoted re-epithelization, collagen synthesis, deposition and regeneration of skin appendages. Results demonstrated that SCH has no dermal toxicity and promoted wound healing. Thus, prepared SCH shows promising skin wound healing property against traumatic wounds.