Comparative Wound Healing Activity of two Polyherbal Formulations GC-01 and GC-02 on Experimentally induced Wounds in Rodents

Abstract:

The present study was undertaken to support the use of herbs in folklore medicine for wound healing activity. In the present investigation, a comparative study and screening was done on two polyherbal formulations GC-01 and GC-02 fortified with different herb extracts in ghee for wound healing activity in experimentally induced wounds in rodents. Wound healing activity was evaluated by using three wound models viz. incision, excision and burn. For the study, standard drug used was Framycetinsulphate cream for incision and excision wound model, while Silver sulfadiazine cream was used for burn wound model. Fresh ointments of 5%, 10% and 15% of polyherbal formulations in simple ointment base were prepared and evaluated by applying topically for a period of 10-21 days depending on the type of study. The parameters assessed were tensile strength in incision wound model whereas in excision and burn wound models reduction in mean wound area, percentage wound contraction, epithelization period, granulation tissue antioxidant status [estimation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH)], free radical (lipid peroxidation), connective tissue formation and maturation (hydroxy proline). The results have shown increased wound breaking strength and levels of hydroxy proline, superoxide dismutase andglutathione in the granulation tissue. Decreased mean wound area and lipid peroxidation was also observed. This could be the result of synergistic/potentiative action of individual medicinal herbs present in GC-01 and GC- 02in gheeand diverse array of active principles present in them.

Key words: Polyherbal formulation, incision, excision and burn wound model, antioxidant status.