Topical Wound Healing Effects of Bauhinia Purpurea and Ficus Carica Extracts Compared to Povidone-Iodine in Sprague Dawley Rats

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the wound-healing potential of Bauhinia purpurea Linn (B. purpurea L.) leaf extract and Ficus carica (F. carica) latex in comparison to povidone-iodine. Topically, the rat excision wounds were treated with ointments of 2.0% and 5.0% of the extract. Acute dermal toxicity, haematology and biochemistry tests like RBC, hemoglobin, liver and renal function tests, and biochemistry markers were carried out. The reepithelisation, rate of contraction of the wound was quantified, and an MTT assay in MCF-7 and RAW 264.7 cell lines was conducted to assess cytotoxicity. The ethanolic extract (14.28 ± 1.45% w/w) was examined in ointments with 2% and 5% concentrations on rat excision wounds. Acute dermal toxicity tests at 5000 mg/kg for 14 days were non-toxic and did not exhibit any physiological changes. Haematology and biochemistry tests also specified safety. Wound contraction rates were 81 ± 7.11% (2% extract) and 85 ± 7.09% (5% extract), as compared to 89 ± 5.14% for povidone-iodine. MTT assay exhibited cytotoxicity of 82.76 ± 6.91 µg/mL (MCF-7) and 46.26 ± 2.24 µg/mL (RAW 264.7). The extract exhibited antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-stimulating activity, and serves as a fine alternative to wound care.