Evaluation of In Vivo Wound Healing Activity of Martynia annua L. Fruit Oil on Different Wound Models in Rats

Martynia annua L. is an herbaceous annual plant belonging to the family Martyniaceae, which is widely distributed in India. Traditionally, Martynia annua L. fruit oil has been used to treat epilepsy, sore throats, inflammatory disorders, and wound healing; however, it lacks scientific validation. This study aimed to investigate the wound-healing efficacy of Martynia annua L. fruit oil using different in vivo wound models. The oil was obtained from Martynia annua L. fruits using traditional (Buried) techniques. Before applying these oils, an acute dermal toxicity test was performed, followed by an evaluation of wound healing efficacy in rats using incision, excision, and burn wound models. The acute dermal toxicity test indicates that Martynia annua L. fruit oil did not cause erythema or oedema over a 7-day period. These findings confirmed the safety and non-toxicity of Martynia annua L. fruit oil for topical use. In all wound models tested, the Martynia annua L. fruit oil revealed (p < .05) improved wound-healing activity significantly compared to the marketed povidone iodine (5% w/w) ointment for excision and incision wounds, and silver sulfadiazine cream for burn wounds. Future research should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms, evaluating the therapeutic potential of Martynia annua L. fruit oil, optimizing extraction methods and product development, and exploring clinical applications.