Preliminary investigation for wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of Bambusa vulgaris leaves in rats

BACKGROUND: Bambusa vulgaris (Family: Poaceae) used in Ayurveda for paralytic complaints, inflammatory disorders and externally to skin disorders. It has various medicinal uses with good nutritional composition and a rich source of vitamins, proteins, amino acid, beta-carotene and phenolic compounds. OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to evaluate wound healing and anti-inflammatory potential of ethanol extract of B. vulgaris leaves in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The B. vulgaris leaves were evaluated for wound healing on incision and excision wound methods. Anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by measurement of paw edema in carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats. Ethyl acetate (BVL-A) and aqueous (BVL-B) fractions from the ethanol extract of leaves were screened for wound healing effects by measuring tensile strength and biochemical parameters in incision wound method. The wound contraction area, antioxidant status and histopathological studies were done in excision wound method. RESULTS: Tensile strength and hydroxyproline level of 5% w/w ointment of BVL-A and BVL-B treated groups were found significantly (P < 0.01) higher and comparable to the reference group. The histopathological study showed the proliferation of collagen, fibrous tissue, and capillaries with epidermal covering at the margin of the wound. The percent inhibition of paw edema was significantly decrease by increasing concentration of BVL-A and BVL-B fractions. In addition, it was found that B. vulgaris possesses antioxidant properties, by its ability to increase antioxidants level. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in the present study were indicated that ethyl acetate fraction of B. vulgaris leaves inhibits paw edema and accelerates cutaneous wound healing.