Wound healing activity of extracts derived from Shorea robusta resin

Shorea robusta Gaertn.f. (Dipterocarpaceae) resin is used for treating infected wounds and burns by tribals in India.

The objective of this study was to investigate wound-healing activity of S. robusta resin extracts and essential oil in rats.

Methanol extract (SRME), petroleum ether, benzene insoluble fraction of methanol extract (SRPEBIME), and essential oil (SREO) of S. robusta resin were incorporated in soft yellow paraffin (10% w/w) and applied once daily on incision and excision wounds of Wistar rats. Framycetin ointment (1.0% w/w) was applied to the standard group. Tensile strength (on the 10th day), wound contraction, and scar area (on the 14th day) were recorded. On the 15th day, granulation tissues of excision wounds were analyzed for total protein, hydroxyproline, and hexosamine contents and activities of lipid peroxidation and super oxide dismutase (SOD). Histopathology of the wounds was also studied.

SRPEBIME and SREO healed incision and excision wounds faster than plain ointment base and framycetin. Tensile strength of SRPEBIME-treated incision wounds was 53% higher than that of control animals. In excision wounds, wound contraction and scar areas were found to be 99% and 7.7 mm(2) (SRPEBIME) and 71.7% and 21 mm(2) (control). Protein and hydroxyproline contents were higher in SRPEBIME (20.8 and 3.5% w/w) and SREO (17.4 and 2.8% w/w) groups as against 9.95 and 1.48% w/w in control groups. Histopathology revealed complete epithelization and new blood vessel formation in SRPEBIME groups.

SRPEBIME and SREO have significant wound-healing activities on incision and excision wounds.