In-Vivo Evaluation of Phytosomal Gel of The Petroleum Ether Extract of Root Bark of Onosma echiodes for Wound Healing Activity in Rats

The present study is aimed at evaluation of phytosomal gel of the petroleum ether extract of root bark of Onosma echiodes for wound healing activity in rats. Extract of root bark of O. echioides was standardized by isolated naphthoquinone dimer using HPTLC. Phytosomes (equivalent to 2% w/w of naphthoquinones) of the standardized extract were prepared by thin film hydration technique. The wound healing efficacy of the formulation was evaluated in rats by inflicting excision and incision wounds followed by treatment of the wounds topically. The parameters evaluated for healing included determination of breaking strength and tensile strength of healed skin for incision model and percentage wound contraction, hydroxyproline content, granulation tissue free radicals and catalase in excision wound model. The formulation treated group showed a significant healing (p< 0.005) of both the excision and incision wounds with respect to wound contraction and tensile strength respectively, as compared to vehicle treated group. The oxidative stress of the granulation tissue was also found to be reduced as indicated by reduced lipid peroxidation and increase in catalase activity. The phytosomal gel of O. echioides effectively exhibited wound healing effect.