EVALUATION OF WOUND HEALING PROPERTIES OF METHANOLIC LEAVES EXTRACT OF Jatropha tanjorensis ON WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Jatropha tanjorensis, commonly known as ‘hospital too far’ is a nutritious vegetable often taken as soup in various parts of Nigeria. It has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process of replacing devitalized and missing cellular structures and tissue layers. Wound healing is a major clinical challenge, and medicinal plants continue to attract interest for their potential therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the wound healing properties of methanolic leaves extract of Jatropha tanjorensis in wistar rats. The study involved creating a 1.5cm full thickness wound on the dorsal region of 15 healthy wistar rats. Two ointment formulations percentages (1% and 2%) of the leaves extracts were prepared using Vaseline as a base ointment and applied topically to wounded rats. The rats were divided into five different groups; negative control, vehicle control, standard drug, the two test groups which were treated with 1% and 2% of the extract. The wound length and percentage of recovery were measured on the 4th, 7th, 10th and 13th days, and histological analysis of the wounded area was performed on the 14th day. The highest extract concentration (2%) demonstrated the best wound contraction over time. The histological analysis demonstrated improved cellular proliferation, epidermal regeneration, collagen formation, new blood vessel formation, and granulation tissue formation. The research showed that Jatropha tanjorensis had mild wound healing properties most notable at higher concentrations.