title: Evaluation of in vivo wound healing activity of methanol extract of Achyranthes aspera L.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The leaves of Achyranthes aspera L. (Amarenthacea) has been used traditionally for the treatment of wound in various parts of Ethiopia. However, the plant has not been explored scientifically for its wound healing activity. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the wound healing activity of methanol extract of Achyranthes aspera L. leaves in rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Incision and excision wounds were inflicted on albino rats of either sex, under diethyl ether anesthesia. Group I served as positive control and was treated with 1% silver sulphadiazine, group II, III, IV treated with simple ointment containing 2.5%, 5% and 10% (w/w) methanol extract of the leaves of Achyranthes aspera L., respectively, whereas group V served as negative control and was treated with simple ointment. All the animals were treated topically once a day. Wound healing potential was assessed with excision and incision wound model. Excision wound model was used to assess the change in percentage contraction of wound, epithelization time, DNA content and histological features whereas rats inflicted with the incision wounds were used to determine breaking strength.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on the results of percentage wound contraction, the DNA content and epithelization time, all groups of rats treated with methanol extract of the leaves of Achyranthes aspera L. showed significant (p<0.05) wound healing activity compared to group of rats treated with simple ointment (negative control) group. The difference in breaking strength was, however, significant (p<0.05) only for the 5% and 10% methanol extract of Achyranthes aspera (w/w) ointment treated groups. Histological evaluation showed well organized epidermal layer, increased number of fibrocytes, remarkable degree of neovascularization and epithelization which was comparable to the standard on the 21st day after treatment; especially in the 5% and 10% (w/w) extract treated group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of the leaf extracts of Achyranthes aspera L. in the treatment of wound.
authors: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia. abrahamfikru@yahoo.com
authors: Abraham
authors: A
authors: Fikru
authors: Eyasu
authors: E
authors: Makonnen
authors: Tadesse
authors: T
authors: Eguale
authors: Asfaw
authors: A
authors: Debella
authors: Getinet
authors: G
authors: Abie Mekonnen
mesh_terms: D029044:Achyranthes; D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D005002:Ethiopia; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D000432:Methanol / Q000737:chemistry; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D051381:Rats; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D012997:Solvents; D004247:DNA; D000432:Methanol