Investigation of Punica granatum (Lathyraceae) fruit skin extract for its wound healing activity in rats
B Shivananda Nayak1, AVC Rao2, Vincent Rodrigues1, Sandeep Maharaj3, Sabana Meyers4, Venkata Sai Bhogadi1 1*
Departments of Preclinical Sciences,2 Para clinical Sciences, 3School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad 4
Departments of Diagnostic laboratory services, North Central Regional Health Authority, EWMSC, Trinidad
*Author for correspondence: Dr. Shivananda Nayak Department of Preclinical Sciences Biochemistry unit, EWMSC Trinidad and Tobago Phone: 001-868-6621873-4642 Fax: 001- 868-6621873 E-mail:
[email protected]
1
ABSTRACT The skin of the fruit and the bark of the Punica granatum tree are used as a traditional remedy against diarrhea, dysentery and intestinal parasites. The skin extract of P.granatum fruit (100 mg/kg/day for 15 days) was evaluated for its wound healing activity in rats using excision wound model. The animals were divided into three groups of 6 each. The experimental group of animals was treated topically with P.granatum fruit skin extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 15 days. While the controls and standard group animals were treated with petroleum jelly and Mupirocin ointment respectively. The phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of saponins, triterpenes, sterols, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. Extract-treated animals exhibited 95% reduction in the wound area when compared to controls (84%) which was statistically significant (p
