Pharmacological evaluation of ethanolic extract of Daucus carota Linn root formulated cream on wound healing using excision and incision wound model

Abstract

ObjectiveDaucus carota L. (Carrot) (Apiaceae) is used in the traditional medicine for the treatment of variety of ailments. The aim of present investigation was to formulate and evaluate wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of Daucus carota L. root on excision wound model and incision wound model. MethodsThe soft paraffin based cream containing 1%, 2% and 4% w/w of ethanolic extract of Daucus carota L. (EEDC) root was formulated and evaluated for pharmaceutical parameters such as rheological properties, pH, skin irritation and external characters. Excision wounds sized 300 mm2 and 2 mm depth were used for the study of rate of contraction of wound and epithelization at different time intervals. Incision wounds six centimeter long and two linear-paravertebral incisions were used for the study of tensile strength, total protein and hydroxyproline content measured on 10th day old incision wound. ResultsEthanolic extract of Daucus carota L. root cream formulation when applied topically did not show any sign and symptoms of skin irritation. Animals treated with topical EEDC cream formulation (1%, 2% and 4% w/w) showed significance decrease in wound area, epithelization period and scar width whereas rate of wound contraction significantly increased (P <0.01, P <0.001 and P <0.001 resp.) as compared to control group animals in excision wound model. In incision wound model there was significant increase (P <0.01 and P <0.001) in tensile strength, hydroxyproline content and protein content of animals treated with topical EEDC cream formulation (2% and 4% w/w, respectively). ConclusionsWound-healing property of ethanolic extract of Daucus carota L. root may be attributed to the various phytoconstituents like flavonoids and phenolic derivatives present in the root and the quicker process of wound healing could be a function of either its antioxidant or antimicrobial potential. The present findings provide scientific evidence to the ethanomedicinal properties of Daucus carota in wounds healing activity.