Evaluation of wound healing activity of Vanda roxburghii R.Br(Orchidacea): a preclinical study in a rat model

The extract of Vanda roxburghii was administered topically to rats at a dose of 150mgkg(-1) day(- 1) for 10 days and was studied for its effect on wound healing, using the excision wound model. A 60% reduction in wound diameter was observed in the test group rats receiving the extract compared to controls (48%). Significant increases in wet and dry granulation tissue weights (P < .001), hydroxyproline (P < .001), and hexosamine (P < .003) contents were detected. An increase in protein content was also detected in the test group (P > .05, ns). These findings are consistent with wound healing at cellular levels. The pro-healing action may be attributed either to increased collagen deposition or to better alignment and maturation or both. The test wounds (extract-treated wounds) were, on average, fully healed by the 13th day, whereas the control group healed, on average, by the 20th day. These data suggest that the extract of Vanda roxburghii administered topically has wound-healing potential in rats.