Influence of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lim.) Leaf Extract on Wound Healing in Albino Rats

Objectives: To study the effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) leaf extracts viz. petroleum ether, alcohol and water on healing of excision, resutured incision and Dead space wound models in Albino rats. Materials and Method: Excision, resutured incision and dead space wound models were induced in albino rats of either sex under light ether anaesthesia. Control animals received normal saline orally and other groups received petroleum ether, alcohol and water extract orally for a period of 10 days. Doses for all the three extracts were selected based on the results of acute toxicity studies in mice. On tenth day after estimating the breaking strength of resutured incision wounds, animals were sacrificed. In the dead space wound models granulomas were removed for estimating the breaking strength. Quantification of granuloma tissue and their biochemical and histological aspects in control as well as treated groups were estimated. In excision wound model epithelization time was measured from day-0 (wounding day) till the day of scar falling off with no raw wound left behind. The shape and size of the scar was noted on the day of complete epithelization and were followed upto the 21st post wounding day. Results: All the three extracts viz. petroleum ether, alcohol and water showed significant increase in the breaking strength of incision wound as compared to control group (p<0.001). granuloma breaking strength and hydroxyproline content of granulation tissue in dead space wound model was significantly increased as compared to control group (p<0.001). Water extract showed significant increase in wound contraction and formation of scars on 17th post wounding day in excision wound model (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate, that not only topical application of water extract hastened the healing process in excision wound model, but also all the three extracts administered orally, promoted the healing of resutured incision and dead space wounds, as indicated by increased breaking strength and hydroxyproline content of the granulation tissue, thereby justifying its use in traditional medicine.