WOUND HEALING AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF CHLOROFORM EXTRACT OF SARACA ASOCA (ROXB.)

The chloroform extracts of S. asoca bark were studied for the wound healing potential. The wound healing activity of S. asoca bark by excision, incision and dead space wound models in albino Wistar rats and antioxidant profile of this bark extract were also studied as there is an increase in the levels of free radicals during the damage of tissue. The parameters like wound  contraction,  period  of  epithelialisation,  tensile  strength  and hydroxyproline  content were evaluated in three wound models, namely; excision, incision and dead space wound models. Besides, their influences on oxidative stress in three wound models were also estimated. The  results obtained were  compared with standard  drug nitrofurazone and control  in  terms  of  wound  contraction,  period  of  epithelialisation,  tensile strength  and hydroxyproline  content. The chloroform extract of S. asoca bark showed significant results in all models when compared to standard and control. A subservient study made on the levels of superoxide-dismutase, catalase, glutathione, vitamin C and lipid peroxidation are recorded and a significant increase in the levels of these antioxidant enzymes and decrease in the levels of lipid peroxidation was observed.  The histopathological studies have shown the well-formed dermis with minimal inflammatory cells. Increased wound contraction, collagen migration, granulation tissue formation is attributed to the phytochemical constituents present in this plant extract. Increased levels of antioxidants favour the regeneration of wounds by quenching free radicals. Phytochemical  constituents  present  in  S. asoca  may be  responsible  for  the  wound  healing  activity.