Cecropia peltata L(Cecropiaceae) has wound-healing potential: a preclinical study in a Sprague Dawley rat model

The plant Cecropia peltata is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of disorders. The objective of the study presented in this report was to screen the extracts of this plant leaf for its wound-healing properties based on its traditional use for wound healing. Aqueous and ethanol extracts were prepared for topical and oral administration. The dose studied was 150 mgkg(-1)day(-1) for 10 days, using the excision wound model in rats. Carboxymethyl cellulose (1%) was used as control in topical and oral route studies. Animals were randomized to treatment or control, the experiment being done with prior ethical approval from the university. Wound areas were measured. On day 11, tissue was excised to determine the contents of protein, hydroxyproline, and hexosamine. Wound areas reduced statistically significantly in all treatment groups compared to respective controls (P < .001). Biochemistry and tissue histology outcomes were consistent with changes in the treatment groups. No differences were detected within the treatment groups. The study permits the conclusion that Crecopia peltata has wound-healing potential.