title: Wound healing activity of Calotropis gigantea root bark in rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Calotropis gigantea R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) is a perennial undershrub found chiefly in wastelands throughout India. It has been reported as a traditional folkloric medicine for a variety of alignments. The plant Calotropis gigantea is also used in some parts of India for wound healing in combination with other plants. However there are no scientific reports on wound healing activity of the plant Calotropis gigantea R.Br.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effects of Calotropis gigantea root bark on wound healing activity in rats by excision, incision and dead space wound healing models in rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing between 180 and 200 g were topically treated with extract formulated in ointment by using simple ointment BP as base. 5% (w/w) ointment was applied once daily in excision wound model. Calotropis gigantea ethanolic extract was given orally at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg in incision and dead space wound healing models. Rats of standard groups were treated with 5% Povidone iodine ointment topically. The percentage wound closure, epithelization time, hydroxyproline content and scar area on complete epithelization were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Topical application of Calotropis gigantea in excision wound model increased the percentage of wound contraction. Scar area and epithelization time were decreased. In incision wound and dead space wound breaking strength of wounds and hydroxyproline was increased.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Calotropis gigantea accelerated wound healing in rats and thus supports its traditional use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, BR Nahata College of Pharmacy, Mhow-Neemuch Road, Mandsaur 458001, Madhya Pradesh, India. pradipdeshmukh@gmail.com
authors.forename: Pradeep T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Deshmukh
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.forename: Akarte
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Atul
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Toppo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D031107:Calotropis / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D024301:Plant Bark / Q000737:chemistry*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts