Effect of 28% Concentration of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. (Snake Tomato) Seed on Wound Healing Using Male Wistar Rats

Various plants and medications have been used in the treatment of wounds. In this study, the efficacy of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. seed on wound healing was evaluated using male wistar rats. 24 male wistar rats (of 12 for control and 12 experimental) were used for this study. A 2 by 2cm area of cutaneous wound was made at the dorsolateral aspect of the Thoracic Region of rats and 28% concentration of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. seed was topically applied on the wound of experimental rats while distilled water was used on the control rats. The wounds were dressed on a three day interval and granulation tissue was excised at days 3 and 9. The excised tissues were processed for histological analysis. Healing was assessed by wound contraction rates, complete day of wound closure and histological analysis of excised tissues. Wound contraction rates were calculated on days 3, 6, 9, and 12 post-wounding. The wound contraction rates of experimental group on days 3 and 9 were insignificant (p> 0.05) as compared to control group but that of day 6 was significant with the control animals having higher contraction rates than experimental animals. Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. seed significantly increased (p< 0.05) the day of complete wound closure in experimental group as compared to the control group. The mean wound closure for experimental was 10.5_ + 1.73 as against control group which was 15_+ 2.45.Concentration of neutrophils and macrophages were more intense in experimental than control group in tissue samples excised on day 3.Also, experimental group exhibited more intense concentration of neutrophils, macrophages, fibroblasts and blood vessels on day 9 than control group. Although, no much significant increase in wound contraction rates was observed in experimental group as against the control; however, shorter period of total wound closure and increased inflammatory response was observed while using 28% concentration of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. seeds topically on treatment of wound.