Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity of Argyreia cuneata Leaf Extract in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Argyreia cuneata (Convolvulaceae) plant is an example of a hallucinogenic plant. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anticonvulsant, nootropic, antifertility and aphrodisiac properties. The present work aims to evaluate the wound healing properties in normal and diabetic animals by topical administration of ethanolic leaf extract. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of various biochemicals (alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, triterpenoids, proteins, saponins, steroids, and tannins). A single injection of streptozocin prepared in citrate buffer (0.1 M, pH 4.5) induces diabetes in rats after overnight fasting. To study the wound contraction and epithelization rate, we made incision wounds, excision wounds and dead space wound mechanisms (300 mm2 and 2 mm depth). The means of wound area measurement between groups at different time intervals were compared using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Dunnet’s test. Extracts of A. cuneata showed significant wound healing effects in average (topically treated) and diabetic (topically treated rats). These effects included faster wound closure, reduced inflammation, and improved tissue regeneration. In diabetic rats, the topically treated group with a concentration of 2.5% showed a more significant effect than 0.5% of the ethanolic extract of A. cuneata. The present study demonstrates that A. cuneata leaves extract applied topically promotes the healing of wounds more significantly and can be a promising alternative to synthetic medications.