Wound healing activity of embelin isolated from the ethanol extract of leaves of Embelia ribes Burm

Ethanol extract of the leaves of Embelia ribes Burm. (Myrsinaceae) and its isolated quinone compound embelin were screened for wound healing activity by excision, incision and dead space wound models on Swiss Albino Rats. Significant wound healing activity was observed in both ethanol crude extract (30 mg/ml) and the constituent treated groups. In embelin treated groups (4 mg/ml of 0.2% sodium alginate gel), epithelialization of the incision wound was faster with a high rate of wound contraction. The tensile strength of the incision wound was significantly increased than the ethanol extract. In dead space wound model also the weight of the granulation was increased indicating increase in collagenation. The histological examination of the granulation tissue of embelin treated group showed increased cross-linking of collagen fibers and absence of monocytes. The wound healing effect was comparatively evaluated with the standard skin ointment Framycetin.