Studies on Healing Activity Vis-A-Vis Microflora of Acute Induced Wounds against Solvent Extracts of Rhizome of Drynaria quercifolia Linn

Background: Drynaria quercifolia Linn. (Polypodiaceae) is an important herbal in traditional folklore use bearing wound healing potential in GanjamGajapati districts of Odisha (India). The aim of the study was to scientifically validate the folklore therapeutic claim through evaluating the healing potential of the plant rhizome extracts (methanolic and Chloroform) in normal and diabetic induced rats versus the microbial studies of isolation, characterization of different micro flora of the induced wounds and their impact in the healing process. Methods: Excision and incision wounds were induced in normal and diabetic rats. 5% and 10% extracts dosage form in ointment base using standard pharmaceutical treatise, were applied and examined for the efficacy. Control groups were dressed with simple ointment base and sterile distilled water while standard groups were applied with Neosporin in normal and Mupirocin / Supirocin ointment in diabetes induced rats. Healing versus microbial infection was studied/ assessed with measurement of wound size contraction, epithelization time, leukocyte counting, isolation and identification of the micro flora in the wounds etc. Statistical analysis was performed using one way ANOVA followed by students’ t test. Results: Both extracts (10%) were found to have significant healing potential evident from reduction in wound size, epithelization time and the reason were also supported by phytochemical and microbial studies. Delay in healing might be due to infection of Propionibacterium sp., Clostridium sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa sp. which were isolated as predominant bacterial flora in diabetic wounds contrary to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus that abode in the normal/induced wounds. Conclusion: The folklore claim of the plant as a healing agent was scientifically validated. The tested extracts with their various phyto constituents render healing and antimicrobial property that combat and control the microbial infection in the induced wound sites at a quicker rate, was established.