Wound healing activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Plagiochila beddomei Steph. thallus in rat model

Wound healing occurs as a fundamental response to tissue injury. Polyphenols are considered to be principle constituent to promote wound healing. Plagiochila beddomei was applied clinically by Paliyar tribes of Madurai district to treat intractable wounds. To validate the ethnotherapeutic claims of the plant in skin diseases, the effect of methanolic and aqueous extracts from P. beddomei on wound healing as well as angiogenesis was studied. 7th day and 10th day after excision wounds creation, the percent wound contraction of the extracts group was higher than that of Madecassol (R) (reference drug) group. On 3rd, 7th and 10th day after wounds creation, the wound healing quality of the extracts group was better than that of Madecassol (R) group on terms of granulation formation and collagen organization. On 3rd day after wounds creation, the micro vessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor expression of methanolic extracts group was higher than that of Madecassol (R) group. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins and phenols. The results show that P. beddomei extract has potent wound healing property probably resulting from the remarkable angiogenic activity.