Unveiling the multifaceted wound healing potential of Grewia asiatica leaf extracts in incision, excision and cotton pellet models

Background

Wound healing therapy has advanced significantly as there is still no promising therapy to handle the intricacy of different wound types. This calls for the upbringing of agents with proper formulation for detailed wound healing.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify the appropriate solvent extract of Grewia asiatica (Linn) through a series of phytochemical analyses. Subsequently, the selected extract was incorporated into a suitable topical formulation (gel) and evaluated for its effectiveness as a wound-healing agent. The evaluation involved in-vitro and in-vivo modes using responsible enzymes and animal models (Swiss albino mice) to assess physical, biochemical, and histological parameters.

Materials and methods

In order to investigate the wound healing efficacy, various analyses were conducted including DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity assays, estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid content, analgesic activity, and histopathology studies using excision, incision, and cotton pellet wound models. The Ethyl acetate extract was found to have the highest concentration of desirable phytochemicals and was therefore incorporated in in-vivo experiments. The percentage of wound contraction in mice and tensile strength were assessed in various wound models.

Results

The results of the study showed that the ethyl acetate fraction was found to be effective in suppressing DPPH, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide when compared to ascorbic acid as standard. Additionally, when compared to the methanol and control groups, the group treated with ethyl acetate demonstrated the highest percentage of wound contraction and improved tensile strength. Morphological and histopathological examinations of the regenerated skin indicated a noticeable improvement in healing. These findings suggest that the formulated gel has significant wound-healing properties.

Conclusion

The plant was selected primarily based on its traditional use in folklore medicine. The traditional use was scientifically validated through a series of successful in vitro and in vivo experiments, which established the plant's potent anti-oxidant and skin regeneration capacity. These findings strongly suggest that the plant has significant wound-healing activity.