Wound Healing Activity of 80% Methanol Leaf Extract of Zehneria scabra (L.f) Sond (Cucurbitaceae) in Mice

BACKGROUND: Zehneria scabra is one of the folklore plants of Ethiopia frequently used for external wound treatment in humans. Nevertheless, pharmacological investigations have not been performed to substantiate activity of the plant extract in wound healing. Hence, this study attempted to explore the activity of leaf extract of Z. scabra in wound healing using a mice model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The air-dried leaf from Z. scabra was pulverized and extracted with 80% methanol and prepared with 5% and 10% extract ointments. An acute dermal toxicity study of the extract was conducted in female mice by observing the signs of toxicity. Then 5% and 10% (w/w) ointments of the extract were applied topically to investigate their wound healing activity in incision and excision wound models. Parameters such as wound contraction, period of epithelialization, and tensile strength were determined. RESULTS: Upon the application of 10% w/w extract ointment, no signs of dermal toxicity were observed in mice. Both 5% and 10% (w/w) extract ointment formulations increased percentage wound contraction and tensile strength, and shortened the epithelialization period. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study collectively showed that the leaf extract of Z. scabra possessed significant wound healing activity, upholding the folkloric use of the experimental plant.