Evaluation of Aqueous Methanol Stem Bark Extract of Stereospermum kunthianum (pink jacaranda) for Wound Healing Effects in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Ifeadi Chekwube Nkemjika, Nwinyi Florence Chimezie, Ode Julius Okwoche, Ramon-Yusuf Suleiman Babatunde, and Onah Jonas Anayo

Background and Purpose: The stem bark of Stereospermum kunthianum is used extensively in traditional medicine to treat wounds, inflammatory and other pain related health conditions in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the wound healing properties of the stem bark extract of S. kunthianum in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Experimental Approach: The aqueous methanol extract of S. kunthianum was analysed for phytochemical constituents, acute toxicity tests in rats. The stem bark extract of S. kunthianum was evaluated for wound healing using excision and incision wound healing models in diabetic rats.

Results: The aqueous methanol extract of S. kunthianum revealed that saponins, terpenes, tannins and steroids were present. The acute toxicity study in rats up to 72 hrs. Showed no observed toxicity sign up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg. The S. kunthianum stem bark extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg, p.o) caused significant reduction of wound area. The excision wound contraction (%) in rats treated with S. kunthianum stem bark extract was most effective and had 100% wound contraction. In the incision wound studies, the S. kunthianum stem bark extract showed a progressive rate of wound repair with increasing doses of the extract.

Conclusion: The results corroborated the ethno-medicinal claims and have given the scientific justification for the use of S. kunthianum stem bark extract for wound healing.

Implication: The S. kunthianum stem bark extract therefore has the potential to be developed as a wound healing agent.

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