Wound healing activity of Glycosmis arborea leaf extract in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Glycosmis arborea Roxb, syn. Glycosmis pentaphylla Retz, (Rutacea) is a shrub found all over India, have been used for the healing of wounds of livestock in Indian folk medicine.

Aim of the study

The present study provides a scientific evaluation for the wound healing potential of ethanolic extract of Glycosmis arborea leaves.

Methods and materials

Excision and incision wounds were inflicted upon four groups containing six rats each. Group-1 was assigned as control (ointment base), Group-2 and Group-3 were treated with 5 and 10% EtOH extract ointment. Group-4 was treated with standard Nitrofurazone (0.2%) ointment. The parameters observed were percentage of wound contraction, epithelization period, tensile strength, hydroxyproline content. Ethanolic extract of Glycosmis arborea leaves was given orally at a dose of 200, 400 mg/kg/day in dead space wound model.

Results

Topical application of Glycosmis arborea ointment (10%) in excision wound model significantly (P < 0.05) increased the percentage of wound contraction (96.91%) compared with control (60.27%) and decreased the epithelization time. The tensile strength significantly (P < 0.05) increased in Group-3 at 560.33 ± 6.48 g when compared to control at 319.17 ± 6.16 g. Rats treated with Glycosmis arborea extract (400 mg/kg) showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in hydroxyproline content at 54.94 ± 0.96 mg/g when compared with control at 30.77 ± 1.13 mg/g.

Conclusion

The ethanolic extract of Glycosmis arborea facilitated wound healing significantly, corroborating the folk medicinal use of this plant.     

Wound healing and antimicrobial potential of Carissa spinarum Linn. in albino mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Carissa spinarum Linn. (Apocynaceae), popularly known as Jungle karunda, has been traditionally used as wound healing agent.

Aim of the study

To investigate in vivo wound healing and antimicrobial properties of methanolic extract of Carissa spinarum.

Materials and methods

The effect of methanolic extract of Carissa spinarum root extracted by cold maceration was evaluated on burn wound model in mice. The wound healing activity of 1% and 2.5% (w/w) extract was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelization and hydroxyproline content. Histological study of the granulation tissue was carried out to know the extent of collagen formation in the wound tissue. The antimicrobial activity of extract was also studied against the bacterial and fungal strain using agar dilution method.

Results

The results showed that Carissa spinarum root extract has significant wound healing activity as evident from the rate of wound contraction and epithelization. Hydroxyproline expressions and histological parameters were also well correlated with the healing pattern observed. Methanolic extract also exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms.

Conclusions

The present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of Carissa spinarum in the management of wounds.     

Normal and delayed wound healing is improved by sesamol, an active constituent of Sesamum indicum (L.) in albino rats

Ethno-pharmacological relevance

The seeds of Sesamum indicum Linn. (Pedaliaceae) has been used traditionally for the treatment of wounds in Buldhana district of Maharashtra state. Sesamol is the main anti-oxidative constituent contained mainly in the processed sesame seed oil which has not been explored scientifically for its wound healing activity.

Aim of the study

To investigate the influence of sesamol (SM) on wound repair, both in normal and dexamethasone (DM) delayed healing processes in albino rats.

Materials and methods

Incision, excision and dead space wounds were inflicted on albino rats (180-220 g) of either sex, under ketamine anaesthesia. Group I served as control, group II received SM 50 mg/kg i.p., group III was treated with dexamethasone (DM) i.m. (0.17 mg/kg) and SM + DM was given to group IV. The tensile strength, wound contraction, hydroxyproline, lysyl oxidase and total RNA and DNA levels (in granulation tissue) were measured.

Results

The tensile strength significantly (p < 0.05) increased with SM at 471.40 ± 14.66 g when compared to control at 300.60 ± 9.16 g in normal and DM suppressed healing. No significant change was observed in duration of wound contraction and lysyl oxidase when compared to control at 2.98 ± 0.10 mg. SM treated rats showed a significant (p < 0.05) rise in hydroxyproline levels at 6.45 ± 0.45 mg when compared to control at 1.75 ± 0.20 mg.

Conclusion

These results indicate that sesamol could be a promising drug in normal as well as delayed wound healing processes.     

Wound healing effect of Flabellaria paniculata leaf extracts

Aim of the study

This study evaluated wound healing activity of the chloroform and aqueous fractions of the methanolic extract of Flabellaria paniculata leaf on infected wounds in rats as a follow up to an initial study of the crude extract.

Materials and methods

Wounds were inflicted on Wistar rats using excision model. Local infection was introduced into rat abdominal wounds with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using a 10⁸ cells/ml inoculum. Rate of wound healing was assessed by contraction and period of epithelization.

Results

Chloroform fraction exhibited significant wound healing potency (p < 0.05) as compared with controls. The test drug achieved 100% wound contraction on day 14 in non-infected group, on day 16 in Staphylococcus aureus infected group and on day 18 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa group.

Conclusions

Chloroform extract of Flabellaria paniculata proves to be a potential anti-infective and wound healing agent. Its in vitro antibacterial and in vivo wound healing activities are in good agreement with the local medicinal use of the plant for skin diseases and sores.     

Ethnopharmacological survey and in vitro evaluation of wound-healing plants used in South-western Nigeria

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Traditional healers in Nigeria employ a range of plant preparations as wound healing agents. Despite the use of local plants in wound healing, there is only scant literature on the wound healing properties of these plants to support the continued therapeutic application of these herbal remedies.

Aim of the study

To document plants commonly used to treat wounds in South-western Nigeria and to test the scientific basis of such claims using relevant in vitro tests.

Materials and methods

Structured questionnaires were used to determine which plant preparations are in common use, via interviews with Yoruba traditional healers. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the nine most common plants cited by the healers were collected, identified and tested using relevant in vitro wound healing assays. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. Antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH assay and fibroblast proliferation determined by neutral red assay.

Results

A total of 20 traditional healers from South-western Nigeria were involved in the study. Thirty-six plant species were recorded with their local names and parts used in the traditional wound healing preparations. Ethanolic extracts of nine species most frequently cited by the healers exhibited strong antioxidant activities (3.8-31.3 μg/ml) comparable to ascorbic acid (7.3 μg/ml). Crude extracts of the selected plants also inhibited the growth of bacteria with MIC values 0.3-7.6 mg/ml. Ethanol extracts of Bridelia ferruginea Benth. (1-30 μg/ml) and Parkia biglobosa Jacq. (15-30 μg/ml) influenced the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts significantly (p < 0.05). Extracts from the remaining seven plants either had no effect on fibroblast proliferation or were cytotoxic.

Conclusion

Traditional use of many wound-healing plants from Nigeria can be rationalised by activity determined in relevant in vitro investigations of ethanol and aqueous extracts. These results support the traditional selection of these plants in South-western Nigeria for wound healing.     

Wound repair and anti-inflammatory potential of essential oils from cones of Pinaceae: preclinical experimental research in animal models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ethnobotanical surveys revealed that Abies bornmulleriana, Abies cilicica, Abies nordmanniana and Cedrus libani have been used to promote wound healing in Turkish folk medicine. Four different fir species (Abies cilicica subsp. cilicica, Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana, Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani, and Abies nordmanniana subsp. nordmanniana), Cedrus libani and Picea orientalis were assessed for their in vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.

Materials and methods

The essential oils from six different coniferous cones were used. In vivo wound healing activity of the plants was evaluated by linear incision and circular excision experimental wound models subsequently histopathological analysis. The healing potential was comparatively assessed with a reference ointment Madecassol^®, which contains 1% extract of Centella asiatica. Additionally acetic acid-induced capillary permeability test was used for the oils’ anti-inflammatory activity.

Results

The essential oils from Cedrus libani and Abies cilicica subsp. cilicica demonstrated the highest activities on the both wound models. Moreover, the oil from Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana was found generally highly effective. On the other hand, the rest of the species did not show any remarkable wound healing effect. Results of the present study support the continued and expanded utilization of these plant species employed in Turkish folk medicine.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that Cedrus libani and Abies cilicica subsp. cilicica display remarkable wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.     

The in vivo and in vitro diabetic wound healing effects of a 2-herb formula and its mechanisms of action

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The herbs Radix Astragali (RA) and Radix Rehmanniae (RR) have long been used in traditional Chinese Medicine and serve as the principal herbs in treating diabetic foot ulcer.

Aim of study

Diabetic complications, such as foot ulcer, impose major public health burdens worldwide. In our previous clinical studies, two Chinese medicine formulae F1 and F2 have achieved over 80% limb salvage. A simplified 2-herb formula (NF3) comprising of RA and RR in the ratio of 2:1 was used for further study. NF3 was examined for the ulcer healing effect in diabetic rats, and its potential mechanisms of action in fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis and anti-inflammation in vitro.

Materials and methods

A chemically induced diabetic foot ulcer rat model was used for studying the wound healing effect. In the in vitro mechanistic studies, human fibroblast cells (Hs27), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and mouse macrophage cells (RAW264.7) were assessed for tissue regeneration, angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory activities, respectively.

Results

Our in vivo results demonstrated a significant reduction of wound area at day 8 in NF3 (0.98 g/kg) group as compared to control (p < 0.01). NF3 could significantly stimulate Hs27 proliferation in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05). Besides, NF3 could significantly increase the cell migration and tube formation (p < 0.05-0.001) of HUVEC in the angiogenesis study. Furthermore, significant inhibition of nitric oxide production (p < 0.01) was found in NF3-treated macrophage cells, suggesting its anti-inflammatory activity.

Conclusions

Our study presents for the first time scientific evidence towards the efficacy of the two-herb formula NF3 in enhancing diabetic wound healing through the actions of tissue regeneration, angiogenesis and anti-inflammation.     

Wound healing acceleration effect of endemic Ononis species growing in Turkey

Aim of the study

Ononis L. species have been used for healing of wounds, eczema and rheumatic complaints, against skin cancer and lesions and topically used as antiseptic and antimicrobial agent in folk medicine. In the present study, the aqueous and methanolic extracts of three endemic Ononis species growing in Turkey, including Ononis sessilifolia Bornm., Ononis basiadnata Hub.-Mor. and Ononis macrosperma Hub.-Mor. were assessed for their in vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.

Materials and methods

In vivo wound healing activities of the plants were evaluated by using linear incision and circular excision experimental models subsequently histopathological analysis. The healing potential was comparatively assessed with a reference ointment Madecassol^®, which contains 1% extract of Centella asiatica. In vivo inhibitory effect of the extracts on acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability was studied for the assessment of anti-inflammatory activity.

Results

The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the aerial parts of O. macrosperma demonstrated the highest activity in both wound models and significant anti-inflammatory activity in acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability test. Furthermore, ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of O. sessilifolia showed anti-inflammatory effect but was devoid of wound healing activity. The rest of the species did not show remarkable wound healing effect. Ethyl acetate fraction of O. macrosperma ethanolic extract demonstrated significant but reduced wound healing activity, which revealed a possible combined effect. The results of histopathological examination supported the outcome of linear incision and circular excision wound models.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that the aerial parts of O. macrosperma display remarkable wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.     

In vitro growth stimulatory and in vivo wound healing studies on cycloartane-type saponins of Astragalus genus

Aim of the study

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the wound healing effects of the four chief saponins of Astragalus species [cycloastragenol (CA), astragaloside IV (AG), cyclocephaloside I (CCI) and cyclocanthoside E (CCE)].

Material and methods

Effects of cell viability and proliferation of the isolated compounds were evaluated by the MTT assay on human keratinocyte. The wound healing activity was studied by using in vitro wound healing, proliferation and migration scratch assay. In order to see in vivo effectiveness of the compounds, an animal study with Sprague-Dawley male rats at the age of 12 weeks was carried out, and then the main histological outcomes were investigated to observe reepithelization, neovascularization, and presence of inflammatory cells, granulation tissue amount and maturation.

Results

All the compounds increased both fibroblast proliferation and migration, but the effects were much superior for CA at 1 ng/ml concentration. Among the compounds, based on the histological findings, 5% CA preparation was found to be the most remarkable in vivo wound healing agent showing greater cell density, more regularly organized dermis and more newly formed blood vessels.

Conclusion

Results of this study indicate that the cycloartane-type saponins are the principal constituents responsible for wound healing activities of the roots of Astragalus species substantiating its use in traditional medicine.     

A novel wound healing ointment: a formulation of Hypericum perforatum oil and sage and oregano essential oils based on traditional Turkish knowledge

Aim of the study

Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae), olive oil (Oleaceae), Origanum Tourn ex L. and Salvia L. species (Lamiaceae) are used against inflammatory disorders and for healing of skin wounds in traditional Turkish medicine. A new ointment formulation was developed to provide more efficient wound healing activity. The content of the formulation was as follows; olive oil extract of flowering aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L., olive oil, an equivalent mixture of Origanum majorana L. and Origanum minutiflorum Schwrd. et Davis essential oils (Origani aetheroleum), Salvia triloba L. essential oil. The aim of the present study is to assess the wound healing potential of this new formulation by using in vivo and in vitro models as well as histopathological methods.

Materials and methods

For the evaluation of wound healing potential of this formulation (HPP crème mit Rotöl ointment) in vivo wound healing experimental models were employed on rats and mice and the efficiency was comparatively assessed against a reference ointment Madecassol^®. Tissue sections were also evaluated histopathologically. Furthermore, the wound healing activity of each component was also investigated individually to determine the improvement in the healing capacity of the formulation.

Results

The ointments of HPP crème mit Rotöl and Hypericum perforatum L. demonstrated the highest activities on both wound models when compared to reference ointment Madecassol^®, while the other ingredients did not show any remarkable wound healing effect. However, the efficacy of the formulation was remarkably higher than the Hypericum L. ointment alone which was also confirmed by histopathological evaluation. On the other hand, the formulation did not reduce elastase activity in vitro, but inhibited the collagenase activity. HPP crème mit Rotöl also exerted bactericidal and candicidal activities.

Conclusions

The experimental studies revealed that HPP crème mit Rotöl formulation displays remarkable wound healing activity. To be acting on the different stages of wound healing process could be considered as a beneficial effect of the formulation for the treatment of wounds.     

Antibacterial, antioxidant and fibroblast growth stimulation activity of crude extracts of Bridelia ferruginea leaf, a wound-healing plant of Nigeria

Aim of the study

Determination of pharmacological activity relevant to wound healing of Bridelia ferruginea leaf, a traditional medicine used to treat wounds in rural Nigeria.

Materials and methods

Aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts were tested against bacterial species of relevance to wound infections: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The ethanolic extracts were assessed for their ability to stimulate the growth of human dermal fibroblasts (FS5) and protect against damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. Antioxidant activity was also assessed using the DPPH assay.

Results

Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts had weak antibacterial activity (MIC > 470 μg/ml). A significant effect (p < 0.001) on the growth of FS5 fibroblasts was observed only at a concentration of 5 μg/ml (28% increase), above which the extracts appeared toxic to the cells. The ethanolic extract offered the highest protection against H₂O₂ damage to FS5 cells, comparable with catalase (82% at 250 μg/ml). The DPPH assay revealed antioxidant activity of the ethanolic leaf extract with IC₅₀ 12.5 ± 0.3 μg/ml comparable to l-ascorbic acid (7.3 ± 0.1 μg/ml).

Conclusion

The antibacterial, modest fibroblast stimulation activity and relatively strong antioxidant activity lend some support to the topical use of Bridelia ferruginea leaf for wound-healing in the traditional medicine of South-western Nigeria.     

Hypoglycemic effect of a leaf extract of Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (Nees) Radlk. in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (Nees) Radlk (Acanthaceae) was first found in Northern Vietnam and expanded throughout the country including the Mekong Delta region. The leaves of this plant are recommended in folk medicine of Vietnam and Thailand for promoting and treating various diseases including hypertension, diarrhea, arthritis, hemorrhoids, stomachache, tumors, colitis, bleeding, wounds, constipation, flu, colon cancer, nephritis, and diabetes.

Aim of the study

The hypoglycemic effect of an 80% ethanolic leaf extract from the leaves of Pseuderanthemum palatiferum (PPE) was investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

The PPE was administered daily and orally to the rats at the doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) for 14 days. The levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum insulin, and biochemical data such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated. The hypoglycemic effect of PPE was compared to that of the known anti-diabetic drug glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg b.w.).

Results

FPG and serum insulin in normal rats were not significantly different from the control and test groups in all dosages. The treated diabetic rats which had received PPE and glibenclamide showed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased FPG and increased serum insulin levels at the end of the experiment. The hypoglycemic effect of PPE at the dose of 250 mg/kg b.w. was significantly (p < 0.05) more effective than that of glibenclamide. The serum insulin in PPE fed diabetic rats at the dose of 250 mg/kg b.w. was not different from those which had received glibenclamide, and this dose was significantly (p < 0.05) more effective than PPE at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. while PPE increased HDL and decreased TC, TG, LDL, BUN and ALP in the diabetic rats.

Conclusions

PPE has a beneficial effect in hyperglycemic rats and may prevent the complication of diabetes.     

An ethnopharmacological study on Verbascum species: From conventional wound healing use to scientific verification

Aim of the study

The leaves, flowers, and whole aerial parts of Verbascum L. (Scrophulariaceae) species are used to treat eczema and other types of inflammatory skin conditions and as a desiccant for wounds in Turkish traditional medicine. In the present study, the methanolic extracts of 13 Verbascum species growing in Turkey, including Verbascum chionophyllum Hub.-Mor., Verbascum cilicicum Boiss., Verbascum dudleyanum (Hub.-Mor.) Hub.-Mor., Verbascum lasianthum Boiss., Verbascum latisepalum Hub.-Mor., Verbascum mucronatum Lam., Verbascum olympicum Boiss., Verbascum pterocalycinum var. mutense Hub.-Mor., Verbascum pycnostachyum Boiss. & Heldr., Verbascum salviifolium Boiss., Verbascum splendidum Boiss., Verbascum stachydifolium Boiss. & Heldr and Verbascum uschackense (Murb.) Hub.-Mor. were assessed for their in vivo wound healing activity.

Material and methods

In vivo wound healing activity of the plants were evaluated by linear incision and circular excision experimental models subsequently histopathological analysis. The healing potential was comparatively assessed with a reference ointment Madecassol^®, which contains 1% extract of Centella asiatica.

Results

The methanolic extracts of Verbascum olympicum, Verbascum stachydifolium and Verbascum uschackense demonstrated the highest activities on the both wound models. Moreover, the methanolic extracts of Verbascum latisepalum, Verbascum mucronatum, and Verbascum pterocalycinum var. mutense were found generally highly effective. On the other hand, the rest of the species did not show any remarkable wound healing effect. Results of the present study support the continued and expanded utilization of these plant species employed in Turkish folk medicine.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that Verbascum species display remarkable wound healing activity.     

Investigating wound healing, tyrosinase inhibitory and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extracts of Salvia cryptantha and Salvia cyanescens using in vivo and in vitro experimental models

Ethnopharmacological Relevance

Salvia L. species are widely used against wounds and skin infections in Turkish folk medicine.

Aim of the study

The aim of the present study is to evaluate wound healing activity of the ethanol (EtOH) extracts of Salvia cryptantha and Salvia cyanescens.

Materials and methods

For the assessment of wound healing activity linear incision and circular excision wound models were employed on rats and mice. The wound healing effect was comparatively evaluated with the standard skin ointment Madecassol^®. Inhibition of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in skin aging, was achieved using ELISA microplate reader. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radical scavenger effect, ferrous ion-chelating ability, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests.

Results and Conclusions

The EtOH extract of Salvia cryptantha treated groups of animals showed 56.5% contraction, whereas the reference drug Madecassol^® showed 100% contraction. On the other hand, the same extract on linear incision wound model demonstrated a significant increase (33.2%) in wound tensile strength as compared to other groups. The results of histopathological examination maintained the upshot of linear incision and circular excision wound models as well.These findings specify that Salvia cryptantha for wound healing activity can be appealed further phytochemical estimation for spotting its active components.     

Spasmolytic activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. involves calcium channels in the guinea pig ileum

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is a plant used around the world for its properties to cure pain in several conditions, such as arthritic and abdominal pain or as an antispasmodic; however, there are no scientific studies demonstrating its spasmolytic activity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of an ethanol extract from Rosmarinus officinalis aerial parts and the possible mechanism involved by using rings from the isolated guinea pig ileum (IGPI).

Materials and methods

The IGPI rings were pre-contracted with potassium chloride (KCl; 60 mM), acetylcholine (ACh; 1 × 10⁻⁹ to 1 × 10⁻⁵ M) or electrical field stimulation (EFS; 0.3 Hz of frequency, 3.0 ms of duration and 14 V intensity) and tested in the presence of the Rosmarinus officinalis ethanol extract (150, 300, 600 and 1 200 μg/mL) or a referenced smooth muscle relaxant (papaverine, 30 μM). In addition, the possible mechanism of action was analyzed in the presence of hexametonium (a ganglionic blocker), indomethacine (an inhibitor of prostaglandins), l-NAME (a selective inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase) and nifedipine (a calcium channel blocker).

Results

Rosmarinus officinalis ethanol extract exhibited a significant and concentration-dependent spasmolytic activity on the contractions induced by KCl (CI₅₀ = 661.06 ± 155.91 μg/mL); ACh (CI₅₀ = 464.05 ± 16.85 μg/mL) and EFS (CI₅₀ = 513.72 ± 34.13 μg/mL). Spasmolytic response of Rosmarinus officinalis (600 μg/mL) was reverted in the presence of nifedipine 1 μM, but not in the presence of hexamethonium 0.5 mM, indomethacine 1 μM or l-NAME 100 μM.

Conclusion

The present results reinforce the use of Rosmarinus officinalis as antispasmodic in folk medicine. Moreover, it is demonstrated the involvement of calcium channels in this activity, but not the participation of nicotinic receptors, prostaglandins or nitric oxide.     

Wound healing efficacy of Jatyadi Taila: in vivo evaluation in rat using excision wound model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

In traditional Indian medicinal treatise there are several Ayurvedic formulations mentioned which have been claimed as potential wound healing agents like Madhu Ghrita and Jatyadi Taila. Jatyadi Taila (JT) is a medicated oil formulation (Taila) popularly used in the treatment of various topical wounds.

Aim of the study

Though JT has its composition recorded in ancient Ayurvedic texts, there have been minimal attempts to standardize its use in the management of wound. The current work evaluates the wound healing efficacy of JT and also provides evidence of the dermal absorption kinetics of Karanjin from JT.

Materials and methods

JT was subjected to preliminary phytochemical evaluation. Therapeutically active marker components β-sitosterol, lupeol and karanjin were detected and separated using HPTLC. As a part of safety evaluation, skin irritation potential of JT was evaluated on rabbit skin. Excision wound model in rats were used to evaluate the wound healing efficacy of JT. Histopathological and biochemical evaluations of excised skin tissues at wound sites were carried out. The HPTLC method developed was also validated to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of Karanjin from JT after topical application on pinna of rabbit.

Results

Preliminary phytochemical evaluation of JT revealed presence of flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, glycosides, steroids and alkaloids while resins were found to be absent. HPTLC confirmed the presence of karanjin, lupeol and β-sitosterol in JT. JT was found to be non-irritant when applied to the skin of rabbits. Topical application of JT on excision wounds caused significantly faster reduction in wound area as compared to the application of modern topical formulation (Neosporin^®) and untreated control wounds. Animals treated with JT showed significant increase in protein, hydroxyproline and hexosamine content in the granulation tissue when compared with the untreated controls. Wound healing potential of JT was found to be dose dependant. HPTLC method was successfully used to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of Karanjin after topical application of JT on rabbit pinna.

Conclusions

Current work demonstrates a modern approach towards standardization of the use of traditional topical formulation JT. The results justify the traditional claim of JT for its use in the management of wounds.     

The potential role of female flowers inflorescence of Typha domingensis Pers. in wound management

Aim of the study

Female flowers inflorescence of Typha species including Typha domingensis Pers. are used externally for burns and wound healing in Turkish folk medicine. In order to verify the folkloric assertion, the female and male flowers inflorescences were individually submitted to in vivo wound models.

Material and methods

Ointment formulations prepared directly either from the male or female flowers inflorescences of Typha domingensis in 5% and 10% concentrations were submitted to activity testing. After that, female flowers inflorescence was further submitted to successive extractions with solvents in increasing polarity; i.e., n-hexane, chloroform, methanol and water and the wound healing activity of each extract was investigated. The linear incision and circular excision wound models were used for the evaluation of the healing potential of the test materials in rats and mice. Tissue sections were also evaluated by histopathological techniques.

Results

Remarkable wound healing activity was observed only for the female flowers inflorescence at 5% concentration in ointment base and its methanolic and aqueous extracts. The wound healing effect was found comparable to that of reference ointment Madecassol^®. The results of histopathological evaluation supported the outcome of both linear incision and circular excision wound models.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that the female flowers inflorescence of Typha domingensis displayed notable wound healing activity in mice and rats, at the models tested.     

Appraisal on the wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oils obtained from the cones and needles of Pinus species by in vivo and in vitro experimental models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

According to ethnobotanical data, Pinus species have been used against rheumatic pain and for wound healing in Turkish folk medicine.Essential oils from the cones and needles of five different Pinus species (Pinus brutia Ten., Pinus halepensis Mill., Pinus nigra Arn., Pinus pinea L. and Pinus sylvestris L.) were evaluated for their in vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.

Materials and methods

In vivo wound healing activity of the ointments prepared from essential oils was evaluated by linear incision and circular excision experimental wound models subsequently histopathological analysis and hydroxyproline content. Furthermore, the essential oils were screened for anti-hyaluronidase activity. Additionally anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by using the method of Whittle, which is based on the inhibition of acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability.

Results

The essential oils obtained from the cones of Pinus pinea and Pinus halepensis demonstrated the highest effects on the wound healing activity models. On the other hand, the rest of the essential oils did not show any significant wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that essential oils obtained from the cones of Pinus pinea and Pinus halepensis display remarkable wound healing activity.     

Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healer glycosides from the flowers of Verbascum mucronatum Lam.

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The leaves, flowers and whole aerial parts of Verbascum L. species have been used to treat respiratory problems, haemorrhoids and other types of inflammatory conditions in traditional Turkish medicine.

Aim of the study

In order to evaluate this traditional information, the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healing activities of Verbascum mucronatum Lam. which is used as haemostatic in Turkish folk medicine were investigated.

Materials and methods

In vivo inhibitory effect of the extracts on the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model in mice was studied for the assessment of anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, the wound healing potential of the plant were evaluated by using in vivo wound healing experimental models, i.e. incision and excision models on mice and rats, were comparatively assessed with a reference ointment Madecassol^®. Skin samples were also evaluated histopathologically.

Results

The results of these experimental studies exhibited that Verbascum mucronatum displays anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and wound healing activities. Through bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation procedures four iridoid glucosides, ajugol (1), aucubin (2), lasianthoside I (3), catalpol (4), two saponins, ilwensisaponin A (5) and C (6) and a phenylethanoid glycoside, verbascoside (7) were isolated and their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques. Verbascoside (7) was found to possess significant wound healing activity as well as antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials, per os without inducing any apparent acute toxicity or gastric damage.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that Verbascum mucronatum displays remarkable antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities.     

Anti-inflammatory,wound healing and in-vivo antioxidant properties of the leaves of Ficus amplissima Smith

Ethno pharmacological relevance

Ficus amplissima, commonly known as kal-itchchi, being used in folklore medicine, leaves juice is applied externally on old chronic wounds and the latex is applied on the wound.

Aim

There was no scientific evidence justifying the medicinal use of Ficus amplissima, therefore the present study was aimed at evaluation of anti-inflammatory, wound healing and in-vivo antioxidant activity of the plant.

Materials and methods

In the present study the acetone extract of Ficus amplissima leaves were studied for enzymatic antioxidant activity through different assays, anti-inflammatory by using carrageenan and histamine induced rat paw edema models (50 mg, 100 mg acetone extract) and wound healing activity by incorporating the two doses (1% (w/w) and 2% (w/w)) of acetone extract and simple ointment base B.P. in concentration of 0.5% (w/w) using excision and incision wound models in rats. In case of the excision wound model wound contraction and period of epithelization was studied while incision wound model was evaluated by determining tensile strength.

Results

Ficus amplissima leaves expressed the potent anti-inflammatory and in-vivo antioxidant activity where 100 mg acetone extract showed high activity. Treatment of wound with ointment containing 2% (w/w) acetone extract exhibited significant (P<0.001) wound healing activity.

Conclusion

The acetone extract of Ficus amplissima leaves exhibited better anti-inflammatory, wound healing and in-vivo antioxidant activity probably due to phenols constituents.