Wound-healing Activity of the Aqueous Leaf Extract and Fractions of Ficus exasperata (Moraceae) and its Safety Evaluation on Albino Rats

Abstract

Ficus exasperata have been reported to have wide applications in the treatment of many human diseases. However, its traditional use in the treatment of wounds has not been validated by any scientific study. Also, its safety in the management of chronic disease conditions requires attention. We evaluated the wound-healing activity of the aqueous extract and fractions of F. exasperata, as well as its safety after subchronic oral administration. Similar percentage of wound contraction was observed with 5% w/w extract ointment application and administration of cicatrin powder (standard) on the 4th day, while better contraction than the standard was recorded with higher concentrations of the extract ointment. Of all the fractions tested, significant (P < 0.05) contraction was only noticed in chloroform fraction, though lower than that of the aqueous extract. The extract also showed concentration-dependent inhibition of all the tested microbial isolates. Extract administered up to 5000 mg/kg (single dose administration) did not cause any mortality after 24 h. Mortality was, however, recorded at 4000 mg/kg within the first 20 days of subchronic administration of the extract. Significant (P < 0.05) increases in alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), and in particular, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were observed at different doses and time periods. Pathological and histological changes were noticed in the liver and kidney on the 91st day of the study with 4000 mg/kg of the extract. Except for the significant (P < 0.05) reduction in WBC on the 91st day, no other significant (P < 0.05) changes were observed in other hematological parameters. The aqueous extract demonstrated better wound-healing activity than its fractions; however, the extract may not be safe at higher doses for subchronic oral administration, as may be the case in the management of chronic disease conditions.

Skin Wound-Healing Potential of Polysaccharides from Medicinal Mushroom Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.)

“…Interestingly, the wound-healing properties of plant and fungi extracts have been reported by several authors. For instance, in plants, the aqueous leaf extract of Ficus exasperata (Moraceae) demonstrated wound-healing activity in rats with chronic diseases [ 9 ]. The perennial plant, Cissus quadrangularis , displayed wound-healing properties in mice with the skin structure of the wound area being completely returned to physiological state [ 10 ].…”

Nano formulated proanthocyanidins as an effective wound healing component

“…Among these, the applications of plant based nanotechnology plays a significant role in the process of wound healing [16,17]. The plant based materials have proved at all times to be a powerful remedy for health care [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. Accordingly, the grape seed extract containing PCs have been investigated for wound treatment and in the management of many illnesses such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, gastric ulcers, obesity and skin inflammations.…”

Gel formulations of Merremia mammosa (Lour.) accelerated wound healing of the wound in diabetic rats

“…The treatment of wounds requires the combined effects of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, astringents, and antipyretics. 29 Resin glycosides as antibacterial agents have the activity of inhibiting pump efflux on bacterial membranes so that resistant bacteria become more sensitive. 30 The anti-inflammatory activity of resin glycosides can inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes that are over-produced in DM 31 while flavonoids that are also contained in Mm (Lour.)…”