Wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of Ficus racemosa leaves

Ficus racemosa (Family: Moracae) is a prominent plant in India and it was embedded in traditionalmedicinal texts of India as a wound healer. Hence to study its wound healing assets, the ethanolic leavesextract was studied on animals. Excision and incision wound models were used to study wound healingactivity. For both models, extract was given in the form of ointment (5% and 10 % w/w). In the excisionmodel, 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 tocontrol. In biochemical parameter, hydroxyproline level was significantly (P<0.01) increased in all drugstreated groups as compared to control in the excision wound model. Histopathological study also showedgood regeneration of skin compared to control. Phytochemical study of the leaves showed presence offlovonoids and tannins which might be the key constituents for the wound healing activity.