Experimental Evaluation of Ethanolic Extract ofCarapa guianensisL. Leaf for Its Wound Healing Activity Using Three Wound Models

摘要

The leaves ofCarapa guianensishave been used to treat ulcers, skin parasites, and skin problems. The ethanolic extract ofC. guianensisleaf was evaluated for its antibacterial and wound healing activity using excision, incision and dead space wound models in rats. The animals were randomly divided into two groups (n= 6) in all the models. In the excision wound model test group animals were treated topically with the leaf extract (250 mg kg−1body weight) whereas, control animals were treated with petroleum jelly. In the incision and dead space wound models, the test group animals were treated with extract (250 mg kg−1day−1) orally by mixing in drinking water and the control group animals were maintained with plain drinking water. Healing was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelialization, skin breaking strength, granulation tissue weight and hydoxyproline content. On Day 15 extract-treated animals exhibited 100% reduction in the wound area when compared to controls (95%) with significant decrease in the epithelialization period. The extract failed to demonstrate antibacterial activity. Skin breaking strength (P< .001), wet (P< .002) and dry (P< .02) granulation tissue and hydroxyproline content (P< .03) were significantly higher in extract treated animals. The increased rate of wound contraction, skin breaking strength and hydroxyproline content supports potential application ofC. guianensisin wound healing.