Revisiting Therapeutic Potentials of Ethanolic Extract of Curcuma longa L. rhizomes to Evaluate wound Healing Progression upon Topical Application of its Ointment

Background and Aim: The goodness of turmeric is claimed traditionally but providing proper scientific data will not only support the statements making it more evident but will also search for possible ways to enhance its potential. The present study aims to extract the bioactive components from turmeric rhizomes to appraise its ability as a therapeutic agent. Methodology: Ethanolic extract and its doses were prepared for antioxidant and cytotoxicity assay. In-vivo study of wound healing activity of turmeric extract in the form of an ointment was evaluated upon its topical application in incision and excision wound models. The excised tissue samples were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining and content estimation of collagen biomarkers namely hydroxyproline, hexosamine and hexuronic acid. Results: DPPH assay showed the significant antioxidant activity of the extract with an IC50 value of 37.09 ± 2.17μg/ml while MTT assay revealed an IC50 value of 96.2± 2.48 μg/ml against human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. In the incision and excision models, % breaking strength of the wound and wound contraction rate in turmeric ointment treated mice w.r.t standard drug-treated mice are 109.28 % and 80.5 % while untreated mice exhibited a value of 77.75% and 52.74% respectively. Qualitative evaluation of the wound healing progression is depicted by the histopathological study of tissues. Indirect assessment of collagen content in tissues by quantitative estimation of collagen biomarkers aids to predict the progress of wound healing as their occurrence in increased amount confirmed the wound healing potential of turmeric and the prepared ointment base.