Wound Healing Activity of Euphorbia neriifolia Leaf Ethanolic Extract in Rats

Objective: Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) is a commonly occurring plant around the dry, rocky, hilly areas of North, Central and South India. The milky latex and leaves of this plant is frequently used by the natives of Central India in case of burn, piles and to treat the deep cracks in soles of legs. The present study was designed to explore the wound healing activity of E. neriifolia leaf along with its effect on wound tissue growth and oxidative status. Methods: LD₅₀ was determined following the OECD guideline No. 420 and 425. Wound healing activity was evaluated on excision wound and dead space wound model along with determination of hydroxyproline, protein, catalase and superoxide dismutase in wound granulation tissue. Results: E. neriifolia leaf extract in 200 & 400 mg/ kg doses showed significantly (p<0.05) enhanced epithelization. E. neriifolia at 200 and 400 mg/kg dose significantly (pp<0.001) increases hydroxyproline content, protein content, catalase activity and decreases superoxide dismutase activity in granulation tissue. The positive control groups were treated with vitamin C (250 mg/kg, i.p). Conclusions: E. neriifolia augments wound contraction and epithelisation. It also increased protein and hydroxyproline content, collagenation with added antioxidant activity on the wound site in 200 & 400 mg/kg doses. These activity may be due to presence of flavonoids and saponins which reduced oxidative stress in wound area and promote healing.