WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY OF BRIDELIA RETUSA BARK IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Objective : The present study was to evaluate the effect of methanol and aqueous extracts of Bridelia retusa (airyshawii) bark on different parameters related to wound healing in albino rats. Methods : Wistar albino rats subjected to incision and excision wounds measuring approximately 6 cm and 500 mm2 side of the vertebral column and on the back of each rat respectively, and randomized into six group (n=6): control group (I), reference standard povidone iodine group (II), topical application of 5 and 10 % methanolic extract ointment group III and IV respectively and group V and VI were treated topically with 5 and 10% aqueous extract ointment respectively. The increased tensile strength was measured for incision wound. The area of wound was measured on the days 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 of the excision wound and total number of days required for complete epithelization wounds were noted in each group. Results: The statistical study revealed that both methanolic and aqueous extracts formulation containing the bark of Bridelia retusa in the concentration of 5% and 10% have significant wound healing activity in both incision as well as excision models. However, the topical treatment with 10% methanolic extract was found to be superior to all other treatment as evidenced by increased tensile strength of incision wound and lesser number of days required for complete epithelization of excision wound. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the topical treatment of 10% methanol extract of Bridelia retusa bark for wound healing activity..