Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Potential of Comphora Wightii, Herbal Ointment on Wistar Rats

Background A herbal approach to Guggulu (Commiphora wightii), as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing agent is anticipated. Phyto-constituents Guggulusterone, Naringenin, and myrrhanol were reported for the anti-inflammatory activity of Guggulu. Studies suggests, that sesame oil (Sesamum indicum L.) and Ratanjot (Arnebia nobilis) also act as potent anti-inflammatory agents. A combination of all three of these gives a synergistic effect for anti-inflammatory and excisional wound healing activity.Materials and Methods A simple ointment base, BP and 5% Ratanjot, and Sesame oil were prepared. All the components, i.e., Guggulu, 5% Ratanjot Sesame oil, and simple ointment base, were added and triturated uni-directionally until a smooth, homogenous mixture was obtained. 25% w/w (F1) and 27% w/w (F2) Guggulu ointment were prepared. Four groups, each with three wistar rats, were studied for fourteen days. On the fourteenth day, rats were sacrificed, and tissues were collected for histopathological studies.Results F1 was compared against the standard formulation (10% w/w betadine, Win-Medicare) for excisional wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity in rats. On the foutheenth day, the results for percentage wound contraction in groups 1 (Negative control, vaseline), 2 (Controlled, ointment base), 3 (F1), and 4 (positive control, standard) were found to be 12.01, 25.32, 96.14, and 81.23, respectively. Results of histopathological studies and H&E staining supported the action of F1, as skin sections showed the junction of normal skin and wound area. Sub-epithelial tissues showed low (-) to mild (+) inflammation. Mild oedema (+) was also noted.Conclusion The rat group treated with F1 showed maximum wound contraction, healing, and anti-inflammatory activity as per percentage wound contraction and histopathological studies.