A topical ointment formulation containing leaves extract of Aegialitis rotundifolia Roxb., accelerates excision, incision and burn wound healing in rats

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Abstract Background Aegialitis rotundifolia Roxb., is a small mangrove tree or shrub used traditionally as a potent cure for pain arising from various injuries. Presently, there is a single scientific report on the wound healing property of this mangrove species which has been performed in-vitro but there is no in vivo scientific evidence of the wound healing properties. Further, few reports have claimed that reduction of pain could accelerate wound healing process and thus, the present work deals with the development of a topical ointment formulation incorporated with Aegialitis rotundifolia Roxb., ethanolic leaves extract (ARELE) which could potentially accelerate healing of excision, incision and burn wound models in Wistar rats. Methods Topical ointment containing ARELE was first tested for their stability (90 days) and possible dermal toxicity using standard procedures. In the excision wound model, parameters such as in-vivo antioxidant, acute inflammatory marker (myeloperoxidase), wound microbial load, connective tissue parameters, and histopathology of healed skin were performed. Incision and burn (thermal and chemical) wounds were conducted following the standard methods. Results The ointment formulations were found to be stable and dermatologically non-toxic. In the excision wound model, a significant increase in percent wound contraction was observed for ARELE ointment treated groups which are substantiated by strong in-vivo antioxidant activity, increased collagen formation, almost normal skin histology, and reduced myeloperoxidase and microbial colonies. Strong wound breaking strength was observed in incision wound repair and a significant increase in percent wound closure in both thermal and chemical burn wound model was recorded for ARELE ointment treated groups. Conclusion Therefore, the topical application of ARELE ointment formulations showed remarkable excision, incision and burn wound healing in Wistar rats thus showing its potential as a promising wound healing agent.