Evaluation of the wound healing potential of an ointement formulated with Chromoleana odorata (L.) R. M. King & H. Rob. (Asteraceae)

Chromoleana odorata is an invasive plant traditionally used for the treatment of many diseases in Cameroon in both humans and animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the healing potential of a watery ointment extract from the C. odorata leaves on a model of excision wound in Wistar strain rat. Phytochemical screening was evaluated using standard procedures. A 5% ointment (CO-5%) aqeuous extract with simple excipients (Vaseline and water) was formulated and evaluated for wound healing testing. Chemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and anthraquinones in the extract. The application of the ointment alone to the wounds caused a complete healing in rats on the 16th day. Under similar conditions, the reference ointment allowed complete healing after 21 days. These results confirm the therapeutic efficacy of this plant in traditional wound care.