Formulation and efficacy of plaksha (Ficus lacor) ointment in the management of non-healing ulcer

Chronic infected wound or non healing ulcer is commonly encountered problem faced in surgico-clinical cases. Wound healing property is most important pharmacological activity of Plaksh or Ficus lacor described by acharya Charaka and Bhavprakash, in an ancient compendia. A male patient aged 55 years, having non healing ulcer on right leg medially above the ankle joint due to trauma, reported to OPD. Wound was irregular with hyper keratinized edges, purulent discharge with foul smell, itching, redness and inflammation. Wound was cleaned with normal saline aseptically and ‘malhar’ or ointment which was prepared by using stem bark of Ficus lacor, was applied locally every day, for thirty days followed by alternate day for next fifteen days. ‘Malhar’ or ointment was prepared as per the formulation mentioned in ‘Ras tarangini’, an ancient compendia. Vitamin C, B complex and Zinc supplement was given orally. After forty five days, wound healed with healthy granulation tissue, purulent discharge and foul smell was totally absent.Bark contains phytochemicals like tannins, polyphenols caffiec acid. It possesses antioxident, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent activities. Caffeic acid have regulatory mechanism on glucose metabolism in diabetes.