ABSTRACT

Ficus racemosa (Family: Moracae) is a prominent plant in India and it was embedded in traditional medicinal texts of India as a wound healer. Hence to study its wound healing assets, the ethanolic leaves extract was studied on animals. Excision and incision wound models were used to study wound healing activity. For both models, extract was given in the form of ointment (5% and 10 % w/w). In the excision model, all extract treated animals showed significant (P<0.01) increase in percentage wound contraction. The incision wound model showed significant (P<0.01) increase in breaking strength when compared to control. In biochemical parameter, hydroxyproline level was significantly (P<0.01) increased in all drugs treated groups as compared to control in the excision wound model. Histopathological study also showed good regeneration of skin compared to control. Phytochemical study of the leaves showed presence of flovonoids and tannins which might be the key constituents for the wound healing activity.