MORPHOMETRIC AND HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES OF EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF COSTUS AFER STEM JUICE ON CUTANEOUS WOUND OF ALBINO RATS

The aim of this study was to investigate the morphometric and histological effects of aqueous extact of Costus afer stem on rat skin wound. Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of saponin, alkaloids, lignans, terpenes, quinones, stilbenes and flavonoids. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese and phosphorus were also detected in the extract. Twenty-five adult female albino rats with weights between 243-320g were used for the study. The rats were divided equally into 5 groups. They were wounded on their dorsum under ketamine hydrochloride anaesthesia. Immediately hemostasis was attained, the rats were treated according to their groups. Group A wounds were left without treatment, group B were treated only on the first day with iodine ointment, group C were treated for 7days with iodine ointment, group D were treated only on the first day with Costus afer paste, and group E were treated for 7days with Costus afer paste. Using ruler android application, the rate of contraction was not significantly different across the groups and the rate of re-epithelialization was significantly highest in group D at p<0.05. the tensile strength measured with tensiometer was significantly highest (p<0.05) in group D at 692.20g. Masson?s trichrome sections showed randomly organized collagen fibres in group D and E. There was also indication of growing hair follicles in group D. In conclusion, aqueous extract of Costus afer stem prove to be more effective in wound healing than iodine and its stem juice can be used cautiously for wound treatment.