Wound Healing Activity of Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Cinnamomum nitidum Blume (Lauraceae) in Wistar Albino Rats

Aim: The present study was conducted with an objective to investigate the wound healing effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of stem bark of Cinnamomum nitidum blume (HECNB). Methods: The total polyphenols and total flavonoid content were estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods. The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH method. Wistar albino rats were grouped into; group I (left untreated) considered as control, group II (Povidone Iodine 5% w/w, once daily), considered as standard, group III (HECNB 2% w/w, once daily) and group IV (HECNB 5% w/w, once daily), were considered as test groups. The wound healing effect was assessed as percentage healing, wound breaking strength and hydroxyproline level in the incision wound model. % wound contraction, epithelization period and histopathological examinations were assessed in the excision wound model. Result: HECNB exhibits maximum free radical scavenging activity of 53.11% as compared to standard ascorbic acid (82.13%). HECNB in different concentrations (2% and 5% w/w) significantly potentiate the healing process in both the models. HECNB showed dose-dependent percentage wound healing (P < 0.01). Significant wound contraction was found in HECNB treated groups as compared with control (P < 0.01) animals. High degree of tensile strength in HECNB treated animals was found (P < 0.01) as compared with control. Hydroxyproline level was found to be significantly increased (P < 0.01) in HECNB treated animals in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological studies also revealed the effectiveness of HECNB in improved wound healing. Conclusion: Hydro-alcoholic extract of stem bark extract of Cinnamomum nitidum blume (HECNB) possesses concentration dependent wound healing effect.