Wound healing potential of Cleome viscosa Linn. seeds extract and isolation of active constituent

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Cleome viscosa Linn., commonly known as Hurhur, is used in traditional system of medicine in healing of wounds. Aim There was no scientific proof confirming the use of Cleome viscosa Linn. seeds in wound healing, therefore the present study was aimed to evaluate the wound healing potential of Cleome viscosa Linn. seeds extract. Materials and methods In the present study, quantitative estimation of phytochemicals was done according to standard procedures. The seeds of Cleome viscosa Linn, were studied for wound healing activity by assimilating petroleum ether extract, ethyl acetate extract, methanol extract and aqueous extract respectively in simple ointment base B.P. in 0.5% (w/w), 1% (w/w) and 2% (w/w) concentrations. Three models were used to evaluate the wound healing potential which included excision wound model, incision wound model and model based on biochemical parameter estimation. In excision wound model, contraction of wound and epithelization period was studied. Estimation of tensile strength and content of hydroxyproline in eschar were determined in incision wound model. Petroleum ether extract was chromatographed using column chromatography. A compound was isolated which was characterized by IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and Mass spectroscopy. Results Secondary metabolites estimated quantitatively were terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and saponins. Wound treated with ointment containing 2% (w/w) petroleum ether extract (PEE), exhibited potent wound healing activity in comparison to 2% (w/w) ethyl acetate extract (EAE), 2% (w/w) methanol extract (MEE), 2% (w/w) aqueous extract (AEE). No significant difference was observed in 2% (w/w) petroleum ether extract treated group and standard group. All the extracts were analyzed for hydroxyproline content equivalent to 4-hydroxy- l -proline. Hydroxyproline content (μg/500 g) was found to be 43.58 ± 0.45, 39.45 ± 0.15, 37.86 ± 0.90 and 40.09 ± 0.49 in 2% (SO). PEE, 2% (SO). EAE, 2% (SO). MEE and 2% (SO). AEE respectively. A triterpenoid compound (Lupeol) was isolated from PEE of Cleome viscosa L. seeds which may be responsible for maximum wound healing potential of ointment prepared by PEE. Conclusion It was concluded that PEE shows excellent wound healing activity.