EFFECT OF OIL EXTRACT OF FICUS RELIGIOSA BARK ON WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY IN ALBINO RATS

摘要

Bark of Ficus religiosa( FR) is used traditionally for the treatment of variety of wounds. In this study oil extract of FR stem bark has been used to evaluate the effect of it on incision and excision wound models in rats. Four groups of animals, [control- (distilled water), vehicle control – (coconut oil), standard – (aloe vera), test – (oil extract of FR)] were used to study the wound breaking strength in incision wounds and percentage of wound contraction and period of epithelisation in excision wounds. Topical application of the oil extract of FR has shown significant increase in the wound breaking strength (p<0.01) in incision wound model; reduction in period of epithelisation and increase in wound contraction rate (p<0.001) were observed in excision wound model when compared to the control. This study ascertains the wound healing activity of FR and substantiates the use of FR bark in ayurveda for treatment of wounds.