Healing, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of the Hydro-Methanolic Extract of Acacia nilotica Pods (Mimosaceae)

Background and Objective: The traditional African pharmacopoeia includes many plants used by the populations to combat inflammation and pain. Some of them, beyond inflammation and pain, is used in the treatment of wounds and burns. This is the case of Acacia nilotica var adstringens. The present research aimed to evaluate the healing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of hydro-methanolic extract of Acacia nilotica pods (Mimosaceae). Materials and Methods: The pods were dried and then separated from their seeds and pulverized. Extraction of pods was carried out in methanol/water and the extract was characterized. The experiments were conducted in different models of experimental burn in rats, inflammation carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and pain by writhing test in mice. Results: Phytochemical study shows the presence of polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids and saponosides. Daily application of ointments promotes concentration-dependent healing. The cicatrization rate is higher with hydro-methanolic extract of Acacia nilotica pods 10% in petroleum jelly, which induces near complete tissue repair after 16 days of treatment. The ointment reduces inflammation and pain and increases angiogenesis, re-epithelialization and keratinocyte migration and promotes the synthesis of collagens. Conclusion: The results of the present study justify the traditional use of Acacia nilotica pods in the treatment of wounds and burns.