Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of topical application of Plantago lanceolata L. (PL; Plantaginaceae) extract on the rate of wound healing closure and histology of healed wound. An area of uniform wound 7 mm in diameter using circular punch was excised from the nape of the dorsal neck of all rats. The animal groups were topically treated with 0.75 and 1.5% of PL and two groups were treated as control and placebo groups. Macroscopically, wound dressed with PL extract significantly healed earlier than those treated with placebo and control groups. Histological analysis of healed wounds dressed with PL extract showed comparatively less scar width at wound site and healed wound contained less inflammatory cells and more collagen with angiogenesis compared to wounds dressed with placebo. Results of wound enclosure assessment showed that PL was significantly effective in wound enclosure. The best results (100.0% healing) were seen in third group (0.75% of PL extract) on 14^th day. In conclusion, wounds dressed with PL extract significantly enhanced the acceleration of wound healing enclosure in rats.

Key words: Plantago lanceolata, wound healing, rat, histological study.