Wound-healing Activity of Clerodendrum infortunatum L. Root Extracts

Validation of the ethnotherapeutic claim of Clerodendrum infortunatum L. was investigated to evaluate its wound-healing potency in experimental rats. For topical application, 4% (w/w) ointment cream bases of petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol extracts were prepared and assessed for their effect on excision, incision and dead space wound models. Significant wound healing was observed in animals treated with chloroform and ethanol extracts, similar to the reference standard drug Nitrofurazone. It was evaluated by increased area of epithelialization, followed by an increase in wound contraction, skin breaking strength and tissue granulation dry weight. Histopathological studies of the granulation tissue also indicated that there was an increase in collagen formation in those rats treated with chloroform and ethanol extract compared to the control and petroleum ether extract treated animals. The chloroform and ethanol extract showed significant (P < 0.01) results compared with the control. The presence of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, is thought to promote the wound-healing process due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Further studies are in progress to isolate the active compounds. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________