Wound healing activity of the leaves of Wattakaka volubilis (L.f.) Stapf (Asclepiadaceae)

Summary: The aqueous and alcohol extracts of the leaves of Wattakaka volubilis (L.f.) Stapf were investigated for wound healing potential by excision, incision and dead space wound models in Wistar rats. Significant wound contraction and skin breaking strength, decrease in epithelization period, increased granulation tissue formation with high breaking strength were observed in animals treated with the extracts. Histopathological sections from the alcohol extract 400 μg/ml treated animals showed predominant collagen formation with scanty macrophages whereas samples from other extract treated groups showed moderate number of macrophages, collagen formation and fibroblast. HPTLC fingerprinting studies indicated the presence of flavonoids in alcohol and aqueous extracts of the leaves of W. volubilis. Industrial relevance: The leaves of Wattakaka volubilis is traditionally used in the treatment of various types of wounds. However there is no scientific data available to support this. Hence we conducted this study to evaluate the wound healing potential of this plant in three different wound models. The phytoconstituents responsible for the wound healing property could be isolated and developed into suitable formulations which would be an effective option as a wound healing drug, on a commercial scale. Keywords: Dead space wound; Excision wound; Incision wound; Wattakaka volubilis.