Role of Ayurvedic Herbal Formulations in Accelerating Surgical Wound Healing and Improving Scar Quality: A Prospective Clinical Trial

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Dr Ritesh Kumar, MD Scholar, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, ritesh.rk36@gmail.com, ORCID ID: 0009-0009-3336-0460
Dr Astha Raj, MD Scholar, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, drastharaj0987@gmail.com, ORCID ID: 0009-0008-9040-6843
Dr. Tanuja Shiromani, MD Scholar, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, Email ID: tan.star98@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Surgical wound healing is a complex biological process influenced by inflammation, tissue regeneration, infection control, and collagen remodelling. Ayurvedic herbal formulations possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties that may accelerate recovery and improve postoperative scar quality.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an Ayurvedic herbal formulation as an adjunct to standard postoperative care in accelerating surgical wound healing and improving scar quality.

Methods: This prospective, controlled clinical trial enrolled patients undergoing elective surgical procedures. Participants were allocated to either an intervention group receiving a standardized Ayurvedic herbal formulation alongside routine wound care or a control group receiving routine wound care alone. Patients were assessed at predefined postoperative intervals for wound-healing duration, pain, oedema, erythema, exudation, infection, epithelialization, and adverse events. Scar quality was evaluated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale and Vancouver Scar Scale. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction and the requirement for analgesic or antimicrobial therapy.

Results: Patients receiving the Ayurvedic formulation demonstrated faster epithelialization, earlier reduction in wound-related pain and inflammation, and a shorter overall healing period than those receiving standard care alone. The intervention group also showed improved scar pigmentation, vascularity, pliability, thickness, and overall appearance during follow-up. Postoperative wound complications were less frequent, while patient satisfaction was higher in the intervention group. No serious formulation-related adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that standardized Ayurvedic herbal formulations may serve as safe and effective adjuncts to conventional postoperative wound care. Their use may accelerate surgical wound healing, reduce local inflammation, and improve long-term scar quality. Larger randomized, multicentre trials with extended follow-up are required to confirm efficacy, establish optimal formulations, and support integration into evidence-based surgical care.

Keywords: Ayurveda, herbal formulation, surgical wound, wound healing, scar quality, postoperative care.