Wound healing activity of Withania leaf paste and its gel in Wistar albino rats - an experimental evaluation

Background During the past few decades, wound healing has gained major attention. The management of wounds depends on various factors; as such, healing poses numerous challenges. The available treatment approaches for wound healing generally include the use of anti-infective agents. The use of traditional medicines for various pathologies is increasing gradually and its use in the management of wounds is not exceptional.Aim The present study is carried out to investigate the wound healing activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) leaves in the form of paste and gel in excision and incision wound models on Wistar strain albino rats.Methods The wound healing effect was assessed considering the percentage of wound closure and epithelialisation period in the excision wound model, while the tensile strength of the healed wounds was assessed through the incision wound model. Excision and incision wounds were inflicted on the dorsal surface of Wistar albino rats by following standard protocols.Result and conclusion Ashwagandha in both the forms shows a significant increase in percentage wound contraction, reduction in the period of epithelialisation, and increase in tensile strength of skin when compared with the normal control group. The results are encouraging and wider studies may be conceptualised to evaluate the efficacy in different wound models.