Evaluation of Wound Healing Effect of Different Extracts of Azadirachta Indica in Wistar Albino Rats

A study was conducted to evaluate the rate of haemostatic indices and wound healing activity of aqueous (AIAE), ethanol (AIEE), petroleum ether (AIPE) and benzene extracts (AIBE) of Azadirachta indica leaves in adult Wister albino rats by topical route of administration. Among seven groups of rats, one group had no wound on their skins (Group I) and remaining of six groups were experimentally wounded in the nape of the dorsal neck. A thin layer of blank placebo was applied topically to the wounds of control rats (Group II). Wounds of experimental animals [(AIAE, Groups IV), (AIEE, Groups V), (AIPE, Groups VI) and (AIBE, Groups VI)] were treated with placebo containing 10% A.indica leaves extracts, respectively. A thin layer of standard Povidone Iodine ointment was applied topically to wounds of Group III animals as reference. The haemostatic analysis showed that the decrease was significant in the different extracts preparations groups but not significant in Groups II and III when compared independently with the control group I. Macroscopically, wounds treated with placebo containing different extracts or Povidone Iodine ointment have been significantly accelerated the rate of wound healing compared to placebo-treated wounds. Histological analysis of healed wounds has confirmed this effect. Wounds treated with placebo containing different extracts or Povidone Iodine ointment showed markedly less scar width at wound enclosure and granulating tissue contained markedly more collagen and proliferating fibroblasts, but with the absence of inflammatory cells compared to wounds treated with blank placebo. In conclusion, the significant effect on haemostatic indices and increased rate of wound healing together with the histological findings in the extracts treated animals supports the claims made by traditional healers of the benefits obtained from the medicinal use of A.indica.