Wound Healing Efficacy of Mimusops elengi L. Flowers in Albino Wistar rats using Excision wound model

Introduction: Mimusops elengi L. (Sapotaceae), known as Bakul in Ayurveda, is an evergreen tree found throughout India. M. elengi flowers (MEF) are reported to possess immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, skin whitening, anti-anxiety and wound healing activities which may be attributed to its phytochemical constituents including triterpenoids, alkaloids, pheno- lics, volatile oils, etc. Although the flowers have been traditionally used as a wound healing agent, there is a paucity of scientific data in support of its efficacy. Methods: An ethanolic extract of MEF was evaluated for its wound healing potential in male Albino Wistar rats using an excision wound model. The ethanolic extract of MEF was standardized in terms of its gallic acid content using a validated HPTLC technique. The antioxidant activity of MEF was also evaluated in vitro. The wound healing potential of the ethanolic extract of MEF was studied on the basis of wound contraction data, epithelialization period, the effect on biochemical parameters from the granulation tissue and histopathological observations. The results were compared with the traditional drug Jatyadi Taila (JT) and the modern drug Betadine (BTD). Results: Topical application of the standardized ethanolic extract of MEF on excision wounds caused a significantly faster reduction in the wound area as compared to JT and BTD. Similarly, it also showed the significant increase in the tissue hydroxyproline, hexosamine and protein biochemical parameters when compared with the untreated control. Conclusion: The findings of the present study provide data on wound healing and antioxidant potential of MEF and supports their traditional therapeutic claim.