Pharmacological Study of Jatropha variegata Vahl Extract as Gel for Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activities

Abstract Background: Jatropha variegata Vahl is a well-known Yemeni medicinal shrub, used traditionally in wounds treatment. Purpose: investigation of wound healing and antibacterial activities of J. variegata extract as new gel formula. Methodology: J.variegata leaves and stems were collected from Ibb Province, Yemen, and extracted by maceration in methanol. The physicochemical and biological investigations were carried out to ensure quality and effectivity of the extract. Finally, the extract was prepared as gel dosage form for the bacterial and experimental animal studies. Twelve female Albino rats were divided into three groups: each rat has been injured three wounds, the first wound was treated three times a day using gel containing the J. variegata extract, the second wound was treated by gel without the extract, and the third wound was control. The first, second, and third groups were treated for 5, 10, and 15 days, respectively, with follow-up the diameter. After treatment, the rats were anaesthesized before the anatomy of rats and completed by the histological examination. Findings: antibacterial activity of the extract was competent to the positive control against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli with MIC 0.05%. Similarly, 100% of the wounds were healed within 15days when treated by the extract; however, the control healed only 33% in this timeframe. Conclusion: J.variegataexhibited a high antibacterial activity against the targeted strains and good wound healing activity when applied topically on the skin of the rat as gel dosage form. The finding is a database for further toxicological and clinical studies.