Wound healing potential of Tephrosia purpurea (Linn.) Pers. in rats

Tephrosia purpurea is a well-known herb for its hepatoprotective, anticancer, antiulcer, antibacterial and in healing bleeding piles, etc. The present study was aimed for wound healing potential of ethanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea (aerial part) in the form of simple ointment using three types of wound models in rats as incision wound, excision wound and dead space wound. The results were comparable to standard drug Fluticasone propionate ointment, in terms of wound contraction, tensile strength, histopathological and biochemical parameters such as hydroxyproline content, protein level, etc. Histopathological study showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in fibroblast cells, collagen fibres and blood vessels formation. All parameters were observed significant (P < 0.05) in comparison to control group. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.