Wound-Healing Activity of Onosma hispidum (Ratanjot) in Normal and Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Wound-healing in diabetics is frequently a therapeutic challenge, lasting for weeks despite adequate and appropriate care. In this study, Ratanjot (Onosma hispidum), a plant from which a red‐colored dye extracted from the root is commonly used as a coloring agent for food, oils, spices and medicinal preparations, was evaluated for wound-healing activity. A 10% methanolic extract of the root was prepared as an ointment, which exhibited significant increase in mean percentage wound contraction and tensile strength in excision and incision wound models, respectively, in both normal and diabetic rats. The effect in diabetic rats was significantly better than current herbal drugs used in treatment of wound-healing.

KEYWORDS:

• diabetes mellitus
• excision wound
• incision wound
• ointment
• tensile strength
• wound contraction

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge Dr. S. Khatoon, Senior Scientist, N.B.R.I, Lucknow, for confirming the identity of Ratanjot–Onosma hispidum. The authors are also thankful to Prof. H. K. Sehgal, vice chancellor, C.S.J.M. University, Kanpur, and Shri Dev Murti, chairman, SRMS, Bareilly, for their support and encouragement.