Development of PU foam dressings loaded with extract of Plectranthus amboinicus for burn wound healing.

OBJECTIVE: To develop Plectranthus amboinicus extract loaded Polyurethane foam dressing for burn wound healing. SIGNIFICANCE: Plectranthus amboinicus is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent. Its incorporation in a PU foam dressing will offer the dual benefits of foam dressing as well as the healing potential of P. amboinicus. METHODS: PU foam dressings were prepared and loaded with P. ambionicus leaf extract (PAE). The dressings were prepared with varying concentrations (0.5-2%) of extract along with Toluene diisocyanate, polypropylene glycol (PPG), and liquid paraffin. The dressings were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy and evaluated for Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate, absorption rate, porosity, and mechanical strength followed by in vivo burn wound-healing studies in comparison to a marketed dressing. RESULTS: The MVTR was found to be optimum in formulations FD2-FD4 with values ranging from 2068.06 ± 0.99 to 2095.00 ± 0.25 g/m2/day. Absorption rate was found to be between 1.27 ± 0.01, 1.31 ± 0.00, and 1.30 ± 0.02 g/cm2 for formulations FD2-FD4. Formulations FD1, FD2, FD3, FD4 showed better porosity when compared to other formulations. Formulation FD4 was further characterized by micro-CT and a porosity of 46.32% was obtained. Tensile strength measurement indicated that the selected formulations were flexible enough to withstand regular handling during dressing changes. Acute dermal irritation performed on rabbits showed no irritation, erythema, eschar, and edema. In vivo wound-healing studies performed on albino wistar rats showed that the FD4 formulation has better wound healing property. CONCLUSION: Plectranthus ambionicus-loaded PU foam dressing demonstrated promising burn wound-healing potential.

Current treatment strategies for inflammatory bowel disease patients at the risk of developing cancer: a comprehensive review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that affects the digestive tract and can lead to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining. IBD patients with cancer encounter difficulties since cancer treatment weakens their immune systems. A multidisciplinary strategy that strikes a balance between the requirement to manage IBD symptoms and the potential effects of treatment on cancer is necessary for effective care of IBD in cancer patients. To reduce inflammation and avoid problems, IBD in cancer patients is often managed by closely monitoring IBD symptoms in conjunction with the necessary medication and surgical intervention. Anti-inflammatory medications, immunomodulators, and biologic therapies may be used for medical care, and surgical options may include resection of the diseased intestine or removal of the entire colon. The current study provides a paradigm for shared decision-making involving the patient, gastroenterologist, and oncologist while considering recent findings on the safety of IBD medicines, cancer, and recurrent cancer risk in individuals with IBD. We hope to summarize the pertinent research in this review and offer useful advice. (AU)