Pathomorphological and Biochemical studies on the effect of Aloe vera, Aristolochia bracteata and Curcuma longa based formulation on surgically excised wounds in Wistar rats

The present study was undertaken with the objective of evaluating the wound healing activity of Aloe vera, Aristolochia bracteata and Curcuma longa based traditional polyherbal formulation on surgically excised wounds in Wistar rats. Thirty two rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each, namely, the group I (No external application), group II (Povidone-iodine ointment treatment), group HI (Centella asiatica fresh leaf paste application) and group IV (Curcuma longa based polyherbal treatment). Excision wounds created in rats of all the groups were treated with the respective preparations topically for 15 days. The clinical observations revealed faster healing in group IV than in other groups. Slight to moderate suppuration was observed on wound surface in group I with no suppuration in the other three treated groups. Significant reduction in wound area as compared to that of the control animals was noticed in all the treatment groups. The rate of wound contraction was superior in animals treated with the polyherbal formulation along with significant increase in the level of super oxide dismutase and collagen as compared to the other groups. The histopathological studies revealed confirmatory evidence for improved healing activity by the polyherbal formulation as evidenced by improved granulation tissue formation and enhanced épithélisation in group IV as compared to that of groups II and m.