A Study of Wound Healing Effect of a Unani Herbal Ointment in Experimental Rats

抄録

Background: Present study was undertaken to evaluate the wound healing property of a Unani herbal ointment prepared by 10% hydroalcoholic extract of Berg-e-Hena (leaves of Lawsonia alba Lamk) and 05% destructive distillate of resin of Raal (Shorea robusta Gaertn) with 25% emulsifying wax and 60% white petroleum jelly.

Methods: The investigation was done using excision and incision wound models in wistar albino rats of either sex weighing 125-175 g. In excision wound model a 500 mm2 full thickness of skin on the back was inflicted upon four groups of six rats each. Group I was served as control, Group II received the standard Soframycin (Framycetin sulphate) skin cream. Group III was given with 10% ointment and group IV received 15% ointment. The parameters observed were percentage of wound contraction and period of epithelization, whereas in incision wound model 6 cm long two paravertebral incisions were made through the full thickness of skin on either side of vertebral column upon four groups of six rats each. Wounds were closed with interrupted sutures of 1 cm apart. Treatment to all animals was given same as in excision model. After removal of sutures, the tensile strength of healed wound was measured by continuous water flow technique.

Results: It was noted that group II, III and IV produced significant contraction of wound throughout the observation period in comparison to control. The group IV showed significant (p<0.001) contraction of wound area as compared to rest groups. The period of epithelization also decreased significantly in all treated groups. The mean tensile strength of treated groups showed maximum resistance against the weight of water as compared to control group.

Conclusion: It was concluded that the Unani herbal ointment prepared by the extract of Lawsonia alba and destructive distillate of resin (Shorea robusta) is an effective wound healing agent.