Cutaneous wound healing activity of herbal ointment containing the leaf extract of Acalypha indica L. on mice (Mus musculus)

Abstract

Acalypha indica L. is a wild plant grows in a tropical field which are investigated for medicinal effect to treat and cure illnesses. Previous studies reported the activity of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties of A. indica. The present study investigated the potential wound healing activity of ethanol leaf extract of Acalypha indica L topical formulation using mice incision wound models, compared to betadine ointment as standard treatment. Ten healthy male mice aged 3-4 months, weighing between 30-40 g were used in this study. Ethanol leaf extract of A. indica was formulated as 5%, 10% and 20% ointment. The Vaseline album and betadine 10% ointment served as negative and positive control, respectively. The parameter measured were wound contraction and epithelization period. The mice groups treated with 5% and 10% extracts ointment showed better changes in the wound size compared to the placebo and standard groups. However, it was only 10% of the extract ointment promote the formation of granulation tissue allows the reepithelization phase to occur. These results suggest that ointment of ethanol leaf extract of A. indica could be an answer to facilitate wound healing, to approve the traditional claims of the plant in wound healing activity.