Effect of ethanolic extract of Melia dubia leaves on full-thickness cutaneous wounds in Wistar rats

In recent years, the therapeutic effects of phyto-principles have been appreciated for their promising effects on wound healing. Melia dubia (Malabar neem) possesses anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and fungicidal properties. Here, we studied the wound healing efficacy of ethanolic extract of M. dubia leaves on cutaneous wound healing for the first time. The ethanolic extract of M. dubia was applied topically on the wounds of the experimental rats until the wounds heal completely. Wounds of the control rats were treated with PBS. Granulation tissues formed on wound surfaces of the excision wound were harvested on days 4 and 8 and analyzed to determine the total collagen and hexosamine content. Total collagen and hexosamine were significantly (p < .001) higher in M. dubia treated rats compared to control. The rate of wound closure was significantly higher (p < .001) and period of epithelialization was shorter in M. dubia treated rats. Incision wound tissue was used for the tensile strength measurement. Tensile strength was improved in M. dubia treated wound tissues. Results concluded that the topical application of ethanolic extracts of M. dubia improved the rate of wound contraction and tensile strength by increased synthesis of collagen.