Abstract

Combretum glutinosum Perrot. Ex DCs (Combretaceae) is a plant used in Senegalese traditional medicine. Its trunk barks are used to treat burns and wounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the healing effect and topical antiinflammatory activity of the aqueous bark extract of C. glutinosum in second degree burn and croton oil induced ear edema in mice. Phytochemically, the aqueous bark extract of C. glutinosum contains tannins and flavonoids, but not alkaloids. Experimental second degree burn was induced in dorsal flanks of the rats. Topical antinflammatory activity was performed in ear edema of mice induced with croton oil. The daily application of aqueous bark extract ointment of C. glutinosum 3 and 10% in petroleum jelly (CGPJ-3%, CGPJ-10%) induced concentration-dependent healing effect with complete tissue repair. In fact, the daily application of CGPJ-3% was associated with total cicatrization after 28 days of treatment (score 0). CGPJ-10% induced a shift in the healing curve to the left with almost complete tissue repair in 20 days (score 1). CGPJ-10% significantly prevented ear edema in mice. The percentage increase in ear edema was 42.78±4.94 vs 70.59±±18 in control group (p<0.05). C. glutinosum trunk bark induced cicatrization, probably involving tannins and flavonoids, which justifies its use in traditional medicine to treat burns and wounds.

Key words: Combretum glutinosum, barks, burn, inflammation