Ethanol Extract of Chromolaena odorata Leaves in Ointment Form: Evaluating Its Efficacy in Healing Excisional Wounds in Male White Rats

Abstract

The leaves of Chromolaena odorata (C. odorata), which have been traditionally employed by the coastal communities of Aceh for the treatment of small wounds, have significant concentrations of flavonoids and phenolics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an ointment made from ethanol extract of C. odorata leaves in boosting wound healing and increasing the growth and expression of fibroblasts and Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF-BB) in excision wounds of male white rats. On the 15th day, there was a decrease in the size of the wound as follows: The closure rates for Betadine® were measured at 96.07%, whereas the control group had a cure rate of 38.12%. The ointments containing C. odorata extract at concentrations of 4%, 6%, and 8% showed closure rates of 80.93%, 95.38%, and 95.75% respectively. The statistical analysis showed that there was no significant distinction between the 6% and 8% concentrations of the extract and Betadine®. On the seventh day, the number of fibroblast cells per field was 70.60 for Betadine®, 69.20 for the 6% extract, and 48.00 for the control. There were no significant differences between Betadine® and the 6% extract. On day 14, the expression of PDGF-BB was observed. The number of cells per field was 125.20 for Betadine®, 106.40 for the control, and 123.80 for the 6% extract. The results of the extract were similar to those of Betadine®. The results of this study demonstrate that the ointment made from the ethanol extract of C. odorata leaves effectively improves the healing of wounds, stimulates the activity of fibroblasts, and increases the production of PDGF-BB. These effects are comparable to the effectiveness of Betadine® in treating excisional wounds. Keywords: Chromolaena odorata, excision wounds, fibroblasts, PDGF BB expression