Healing potential of Calotropis procera on dermal wounds in Guinea pigs

Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) is a well known plant in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Based on its traditional use this plant was selected fo r evaluation of its wound healing potential. For this purpose four full thi ckness excisional wounds of 8.0 mm diameter were inflicted on the back of g uinea pigs. Topical application of 20 mu l of 1.0% sterile solution of the latex of C. procera twice daily was followed for 7 days. The latex signific antly augmented the healing process by markedly increasing collagen, DNA an d protein synthesis and epithelisation leading to reduction in wound area. Thus the present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of this plant in the management of wound healing. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.