Silver and various non-antibiotic alternative therapies were not utilized after the discovery of penicillin and other antibiotics. However, recently silver has gained substantial recognition due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains and its limited propensity to develop resistance. Studies have suggested that Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) prepared by green synthesis have superior wound-healing properties compared to conventional AgNPs despite the latter having improved mechanical properties and being widely used as wound-healing agents. In our study, we have formulated AgNPs using a green synthesis method using methanolic extract of Picrasma javanica (MePJ) leaves and evaluate its wound healing efficacy in Wistar rats. Prior to formulation, MePJ was evaluated for phytochemical screening, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. Synthesis of the AgNPs was done by a green synthesis method where 1% MePJ was used as a reducing agent. A UV-visible spectrophotometer was used to characterize the formed AgNPs. Formulated AgNPs were then incorporated in gel and further characterized for pH, porosity, Viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, antimicrobial activity, and wound healing by excision wound model in Wistar rats using 10% w/w povidone iodine ointment as standard. Formulated AgNPs show good physical characteristics, good antimicrobial activity, and enhanced wound closing compared to MeJP gel and povidone iodine ointment. The epithelization period of the wound decreased in AgNPs compared to Povidone iodine ointment. In conclusion, AgNPs have shortened the wound-closing period and may be utilized as an alternative formulation for wound healing.
