Evaluation of in vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity of crude extract of the fruits of Brucea antidysentrica in mice

Background

Brucea antidysentrica is traditionally used to treat various conditions. Though, fruits of B. antidysentrica are claimed to promote wound healing; there is no scientific evidence that supports the traditional claim. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities of the extract.

Methods

Extracts were formulated as 1% and 2% ointments. Simple and nitrofurazone (0.2%) ointments were used as controls for the wound healing. A dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight were used for anti-inflammatory activity tests using vehicle and indomethacin 10 mg/kg as controls. Wound contraction rate, complete epithelialization period, skin breaking strength and edema inhibition were evaluated.

Results

On last day of treatment, fruits extract showed a significant wound healing activity at strengths of 2% compared with negative control as. On the same day 1% MFE was found to increase the % wound contraction significantly (P < 0.01). Only 2% MFE resulted in a significant increase in tensile strength (p < 0.01). The 200 and 400 mg/kg doses were revealed a significant anti-inflammatory effect particularly at 3 and 4 h.

Conclusion

The extract supports traditional claims for wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity.