none 10.31254/phyto.2026.15306 BioMed Research Publishers BioMed Research Publishers 16195 197648542 316921 20260706150857671 10.31254 2026-07-06T15:09:17Z 2026-07-06T15:09:16Z 0 The Journal of Phytopharmacology J Phytopharmacol 2320480X 10.31254/phyto https://phytopharmajournal.com/ 7 6 2026 15 3 Urjita Sheth Department of Biotechnology, School of Science and Technology, Vanita Vishram Women’s University, Surat-395001, Gujarat, India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5304-0643 Sonali Borad C. G. Bhakta Institute of Biotechnology, Uka Tarsadia University, Bardoli, Surat-394350, Gujarat, India https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2496-7135 Saloni Patil C. G. Bhakta Institute of Biotechnology, Uka Tarsadia University, Bardoli, Surat-394350, Gujarat, India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7780-1048 Divya Patel C. G. Bhakta Institute of Biotechnology, Uka Tarsadia University, Bardoli, Surat-394350, Gujarat, India https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5086-5733 Bhavin Vyas Maliba Pharmacy College, Uka Tarsadia University, Bardoli, Surat-394350, Gujarat, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6985-6083 Background: Haemorrhoids, a prevalent anorectal condition involves inflammation, vascular congestion and oxidative stress. It needs safer treatment alternative due to the limitations of existing conventional treatments. Solanum xanthocarpum shows natural healing potential and chitosan hydrogels improve delivery, offering a safer, effective and patient-friendly approach for managing haemorrhoids. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-haemorrhoidal activity of chitosan-based hydrogel containing root extracts of S. xanthocarpum using a croton oil induced haemorrhoid model in mice. Methods: Aqueous and methanolic root extracts of S. xanthocarpum were Soxhlet-prepared and formulated in chitosan hydrogel. Haemorrhoids were induced in Swiss mice using croton oil. Anti haemorrhoidal activity was assessed by determining Evans blue exudation, recto anal coefficient (RAC), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF α) levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) generation and histopathology analysis of tissue. Results: Croton oil induced marked haemorrhoidal inflammation with elevated RAC, Evans blue leakage, TNF-α and MDA. Treatment with both aqueous and methanolic extracts significantly reduced these parameters compared with the negative control group. Chitosan based gel formulations showed greater therapeutic effects than extracts alone. Histopathology confirmed reduced inflammatory infiltration, improved vascular integrity and restoration of mucosal architecture in treated groups. Conclusion: Chitosan hydrogel containing S. xanthocarpum root extract possesses significant anti-inflammatory and anti-haemorrhoidal activity. Thus, the formulated hydrogel represents a promising natural therapeutic approach for the management of haemorrhoids. 7 6 2026 147 155 1 10.31254/biomed-crossmark-policy www.biomedresearch.org false 10.31254/phyto.2026.15306 https://phytopharmajournal.com/articles/abstracts/915/year=2026&vol=15&issue=3