Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Wound Healing Effect of Kaempferia galanga L. Rhizome on the Chemical-Induced Oral Mucosal Ulcer in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Kaempferia galanga L. (K. galanga; local name kencur, Zingiberaceae) is a plant commonly used as a kitchen spice, and empirically it is often used for medicinal purposes. This plant has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory role, but no research has been found on its effect on oral mucosal ulcer. This study aimed to investigate anti-inflammatory activity and wound healing effect of the ethanol extract of K. galanga L. rhizome (EEKG) on the chemical-induced oral mucosal ulcer in Wistar rats. Methods: In this study, 35 rats were divided into 7 groups (normal, negative, triamcinolone acetonide, and 4 EEKG groups). Acetic acid 70% was used as the oral mucosal ulcer inducer. Parameters observed were macroscopic and microscopic histopathological examinations. Results: The results revealed that dose of 0.5% of the EEKG was effective in increasing the percent recovery of ulcer area and inflammation sign scores. Meanwhile, doses of 0.5-2% of EEKG were effective in reducing the histopathological score. Interestingly, topical EEKG in our study was more effective compared with triamcinolone acetonide (the conventional therapy for oral mucosal ulceration). Discussion: The EEKG has been confirmed its anti-inflammatory activity by accelerating the healing process on the chemical-induced oral mucosal ulcer in Wistar rats, based on the percent recovery of the ulcer area, the percent recovery of the inflammation sign score, and the histopathology score. Conclusion: Taken together, K. galanga L. is very potential to be developed as a prospective phytopharmaceutical for the treatment of oral mucosal ulceration in human after clinical trials.

Automated summary

This study found that Kaempferia galanga L. extract can effectively reduce inflammation and promote healing of chemical-induced oral mucosal ulcers. Topical application of the extract was more effective than the conventional therapy triamcinolone acetonide.