Full Length Research Paper
Abstract
Anogeissus leiocarpus is a plant used in the local West African pharmacopeia. This study aimed to evaluate the healing properties of the hydro-ethanol extract of its leaves in Wistar rats. A 1.5 cm diameter excision wound model was used. Wistar rats were treated post-excision by the topical application of petroleum jelly alone, also known as 'Vaseline', petroleum jelly supplemented with 3% (ALHE-3%) and 10% (ALHE-10%) of A. leiocarpus leaves' hydroethanolic extract, or sulfadiazine (reference drug), or no treatment (untreated or Control group). Photographs were taken after excision. Wound surfaces were assessed daily using ImageJ software. Biopsies were taken for histological examination of the excised skin and hydroxyproline determination. The results showed a significant reduction in wound surfaces of animals treated with ALHE-3% and ALHE-10% (33.10 ± 2.54 and 31.14 ± 1.71 mm2, respectively) as early as the sixth day after excision. The dosage of hydroxyproline showed a significant difference in collagen production in animals treated with ALHE-3% and ALHE-10%, compared to the Control (P < 0.001) and Vaseline (P < 0.01) groups at day 14. Histological analysis showed rapid re-epithelialization in animals treated with the extracts. A. leiocarpus leaves' hydroethanolic extract could be a potential natural remedy for treating wounds.
Key words: Anogeissus leiocarpus, excision wound, healing, Wistar rat, hydroxyproline.
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