Reepithelialization and Wound Healing Effect of Aqueous Extract of Tetrapleura Tetraptera on Mature Rabbits

Re-epithelialization and wound healing effect of aqueous extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera on extensive full thickness skin wound was studied in rabbits. The extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera was used in dressing cutaneous wounds. On day two, fibrin and fibronectin cross-linked together and formed a plug which trapped proteins and prevented further blood loss. Dressing of wound commenced on the second day when the bleeding had stopped. Granulation of tissue set in after initial inflammatory process had settled. In seven days fibrin and fibronectin plug peeled off exposing granulation tissue with new and younger epithelial cells growing into the wound surface from the surrounding edges. This occured until the whole wound surface was covered with epithelial cells leaving no area of scar formation. Aqueous extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera enhances epithelialization of wound most probably due to its effect on mitotic process of the cells, collagen and melanin.