Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity of Rhizomes of Rumex abyssinicus J. in Mice
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Date
2011-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Rumex abyssinicus Jacq (Polygonaceae) is a perennial herb that is widely distributed in the highlands from North Africa to Ethiopia. In the Ethiopian traditional medicine, the rhizomes of R. abyssinicus (“Mekmeko” in Amharic) are used to treat various ailments. Combined with other plants, the rhizomes of R. abyssinicus are also used to treat wound. However, there is no scientific study justifying the use of R. abyssinicus on wound healing. Thus, the present study provides a scientific evaluation for the wound healing potential of 80% methanolic extract of R. abyssinicus rhizomes in mice. The extraction of the rhizomes of R. abyssinicus was carried out using 80% methanol. The hydroalcoholic extracts were studied for wound healing activity topically by incorporating in simple ointment base B.P. in concentration of 5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w). For the study of in vivo antiinflammatory activity, the hydroalcoholic extract was dissolved in 1% carboxyl methyl cellulose. Two models were used for wound healing activity in mice viz. excision and incision. Carrageenan induced hind paw oedema model was used for antiinflammatory study. Parameters such as wound contraction, period of epithelization and hydroxyproline content were studied in case of the excision wound model, while incision wound model was evaluated by determining tensile strength. The hydroalcoholic extract of the rhizomes of R. abyssinicus was given orally at dose of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg in carrageenan induced hind paw oedema model and oedema was evaluated by determining mean increase in paw volume and percentage inhibition of inflammation. Treatment of wound with ointment containing 5% and 10% (w/w) hydroalcoholic extract exhibited significantly increased wound contraction rate, shorter epithelization time, higher skin breaking strength and increased hydroxyproline content (p < 0.05-0.001) in the two experimental model as compared to control. 10% (w/w) hydroalcoholic extract ointment showed better wound healing property than the 5% (w/w) ointment and its effect was comparable to that of the reference standard (nitrofurazone). R. abyssinicus rhizomes hydroalcoholic extract also produced dose-related significant reductions (p < 0.05-0.001) of inflammation as compared to control by reducing paw oedema volume induced by carrageenan
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Food Security