Evaluation of Healing Potential of Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae) seeds in excision, incision, dead space and burn wound model-An in-vivo Study

Objective: The present study deals with the in vivo investigation of healing properties of Achyranthes aspera L. seeds in excision, incision, dead space and burn wound model. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical tests were performed to find out different phytoconstituents in the test extract. Acute toxicity test were performed to find any abnormalities in mice. Wound healing activities were performed on Wistar rats using excision, incision, dead space and burn wound model. The percentage of wound closure and period of epithelization were recorded for excision and thermal burn wound model, whereas the breaking strength was recorded in incision wound model. In dead space wound model, hydroxyproline content and granulation tissue antioxidant enzymes like SOD and CAT were estimated. Results: The phytochemical investigation showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, lipids and triterpenoids. There were no abnormalities observed in the acute toxicity test. The results of wound healing activity revealed that EEAAS treated group showed an enhanced wound contraction and epithelization period in both excision and burn wound models, whereas in incision wound model the wound breaking strength was significantly increased in extract treated group compared to control. The histology of the skin of healed excised wound showed restoration to almost the normal architecture of the skin in extract treated group compared to the control. In dead space wound model, enhanced antioxidant enzymes and connective tissue markers were observed in the extract treated group. Conclusion: Thus the results conclude that EEAAS possesses potent wound healing properties with a reasonable safety profile.