Abstract
The present investigation is an attempt to scientifically validate the
traditional use of the roots of the plant Albizzia lebbeck in
Ayurvedic system of medicine for curing wounds. The study included
phytochemical standardization of the ethanol root extract of
A. lebbeck, which was further subjected to oral acute toxicity
study. Wound-healing activity of the ethanol root extract was evaluated
using incision and excision wound models. Biochemical parameters such as
hydroxyproline, hexuronic acid, hexosamine, and antioxidant enzymes like
superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and free radical parameters
including lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide were evaluated on the 10th
post-wounding day following dead space method. For confirmation of activity,
histopathology of the wounds and granulation tissues from excision and dead
space wound model were performed. The study also included assessment of
antibacterial activity of ethanol root extract against strains implicated in
wound infection. The ethanol root extract was found to be highly rich in
flavonoids, saponins, phenols, and tannins, while the amount of rutin was
found to be 4.66 % w/w. It significantly increased the wound breaking
strength showing a ceiling effect at 500 mg/kg p. o. The ethanol root
extract at 500 mg/kg p. o. depicted an optimum wound contraction on the 18th
day, while complete wound contraction was observed at the 22nd post wound
day. It also demonstrated a significant increase in dry tissue weight, total
protein, hydroxyproline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, superoxide dismutase,
and reduced glutathione levels, whereas a decrease in the levels of lipid
peroxidation and nitric oxide was also observed with a potential
antibacterial activity. Histopathological studies revealed a normal
epithelization and fibrosis which was evidenced through an increase in
collagen density. Thus, the study scientifically validated the wound-healing
activity of the ethanol root extract along with a potential antibacterial
property which may be attributed to the enhanced collagen synthesis and a
potential antioxidant activity.
Key words
Albizzia lebbeck
- Fabaceae - excision wounds - ethanol extract - incision wounds - skin wound healing
