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Introduction: Inflammation is a response to tissue injury characterized by swelling, redness, and pain. Although conventional anti-inflammatory drugs are effective, polyphenol-rich natural products may offer a safer alternative. Grape skin extracts are rich in compounds that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities1, however, their therapeutic potential following incorporation into topical formulations remains insufficiently investigated. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of hydrogels containing grape skin extracts obtained from Cabernet Sauvignon (E1) and Shiraz (E2) in a rat model of carrageenan-induced paw edema.
Methodology: Extracts (8 mg/mL) were incorporated into alginate-gelatin hydrogels containing 3% of each polymer (1:1), followed by homogenization, sonication, freezing, cross-linking with calcium chloride, and drying. Wistar albino rats were assigned to four groups (n=4): control (CTRL), hydrogel base (HB), E1, and E2. Paw edema was induced by carrageenan injection, the formulations were applied immediately, and paw thickness was measured at baseline and after 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours.
Results: CTRL animals exhibited swelling, peaking 1–2 hours after injection and declining slowly afterwards. HB produced only a minor reduction in edema. Both extract-loaded hydrogels reduced paw swelling, with E1 showing the strongest and consistent effect, lowering peak edema and accelerating recovery toward baseline by hour 4. E2 demonstrated a moderate effect that exceeded that of HB.
Conclusion: These findings support investigation of grape skin extracts as bioactive components of topical formulations for inflammation and wound healing.
Keywords: Grape skin extract, hydrogel, anti-inflammatory activity.