Abstract
Tridax procumbens (L.) is a medicinal plant extensively used in traditional medicine for wound healing applications. Microemulsions represent novel drug delivery systems that enhance skin permeation and therapeutic efficacy of natural extracts. This study aimed to design and evaluate microemulsion formulations containing aqueous Tridax procumbens extract for enhanced wound healing activity through optimized drug delivery and skin penetration. Microemulsions were formulated using pseudoternary phase diagrams with isopropyl myristate as oil phase, Tween 80 as surfactant, and Transcutol as co-surfactant. Tridax procumbens aqueous extract was incorporated at 2% w/w concentration. Formulations were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, drug content, stability, and evaluated for wound healing activity using excision wound model in Wistar rats. Optimized microemulsion (F4) showed particle size of 24.3 ± 1.8 nm, zeta potential of -18.4 ± 2.1 mV, and drug content of 98.7 ± 1.2%. In v