Abstract

Ashvini Jha*, Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, Sushma Somkuwar and Akhlesh Kumar Singhai

ABSTRACT

Wound is defined simply as the disruption of the biochemical, cellular, and anatomic continuity of a tissue. Plants and their extracts known as phytomedicine have immense potential for the management and treatment of wounds. Due to the undesirable side effects, in the control and treatment of the wound infections, it is recommended to use natural materials such as phytochemicals instead of chemically synthesized drugs. Thus, the aim of this research was to study the anti-microbial and wound healing potential of Vaccinium macrocarpon methanolic extract in rats. Antimicrobial activity of Vaccinium macrocarpon extract determined that the extract inhibited the growth of microbes against the gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative strains (Escherichia coli). A significant zone of inhibition was recorded against two selected pathogenic bacterial strains by well diffusion method. Excision wound contraction was measured and expressed as percentage of reduction in wound size. At the lowest concentration of 5% w/w extract ointment, significant contraction similar to that of Soframycin (standard) was started on the 3rd day. Better contraction similar with the standard was recorded at higher concentrations of the extract ointment (10% w/w). A dose dependent effect was observed in rats treated with ointment. The results of this investigation showed that Vaccinium macrocarpon extract has wound healing activity and it may also be utilized to treat various types of wounds in people.