Topically applied Tetrapleura tetraptera stem-bark extract promotes healing of excision and incision wounds in rats

OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study was to evaluate the in vivo wound healing effect of water extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera in stem-bark. MATERIALS AND METHODS The healing activity was studied in 40 male rats using excision and incision wounds on normal and dexamethasone-suppressed wound healing. For each model, rats were divided in four groups as follows: control, dexamethasone, T. tetraptera and dexamethasone combined with T. tetraptera. RESULTS Data recorded exhibited a significant effect by the extract in the epithelialization time within 14 and 18 days of the normal and dexamethasone-induced healing delay rats, respectively (P < 0.05). The extract also significantly increased the wound tensile strength in dexamethasone treated rats. Histological examination of incision wounds of the extract-treated group showed many fibroblasts and the same rats presented significant cutaneous tensile strength, suggesting important collagen crosslinkage. CONCLUSION This study illustrated an excellent potential of the bark of T. tetraptera therapy on dermal wound healing with a possible mechanism of action related to epithelialization, contraction, and tensile strength improvement.