Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity of Hydromethanolic Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Root of Verbascum Sinaiticum Benth. (Scrophulariaceae) in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

Background

The roots of Verbascum sinaiticum have been used traditionally for the management of wound in different regions of Ethiopia. Despite the presence of several claims and in vitro studies regarding its role in wound healing, no scientific studies have been conducted so far. Therefore, this study aims to scientifically evaluate the wound healing activities of the crude extract and solvent fractions of the roots of Verbascum sinaiticum in Swiss albino mice.

Methods

The dried root powder of Verbascum sinaiticum was extracted using 80% methanol by maceration technique. This was then fractionated with chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water. These extracts were formulated as ointment at 5% and 10% concentration by using simple base. Acute dermal toxicity was performed on mice. The wound healing potential was evaluated using excision, incision, and burn wound models.

Results

In excision wound, 10% and 5% of crude extract ointment provided a significant (P<0.001) percentage of contraction starting from day 4 and day 6 onwards respectively. Moreover, the rate of epithelialization was significantly (P<0.001) improved in 10% crude extract. In burn wound, 10% and 5% crude extract showed significant (P<0.001) wound contraction starting from day 4 and 8 onwards respectively. In both excision and burn wounds, a moderate concentration of fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition was observed on the 10% crude extract. The 5% and 10% aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions produced a significant (P<0.001) percentage of wound contraction and shortening of epithelialization at different time points compared to simple ointment.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrated that the 80% methanolic crude extract, aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions of Verbascum sinaiticum root have wound healing potential which assimilates its traditional use.

Keywords:

• wound healing
• crude extract
• solvent fraction
• Verbascum sinaiticum

Data Sharing Statement

The corresponding author can provide the datasets utilized or examined in this study upon reasonable request.

Ethics Approval

The experiment was conducted in accordance with the guidelines for handling and care.⁵⁸ The study commenced after ethical clearance was obtained from Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar (protocol number SOP4/97/13). Experiments were carried out, and the data were compiled in compliance with the National Institutes of Health Guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, National Research Council (2012).

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Ethiopia, for providing the experimental animals and all necessary laboratory facilities.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, and also; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.