Abstract

HEALING POTENTIAL OF RHEUM EMODI (RHUBARB) ROOT POWDER ON EXCISION WOUNDS IN RABBIT

S. Bilal*, S. A. Bhat, A. A. Ahanger, I. Hussain, S. P. Ahmad4, M. R. Mir

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To evaluate wound healing potential of Rheum emodi roots. Material Method: Rheum emodi root in powder form was applied on the excision wounds created in rabbits for 14 days with normal saline as control. The physico-chemical parameters studied were wound contraction, and concentration of hydroxyproline, glucosamine, protein and DNA. Results: On day 14 Rheum emodi treated wounds showed 100 % reduction in the wound area as compared to control 82%. The treated wounds exhibited significant increase in hydroxyproline (21.00±0.92 mg/g, treated vs 12.96±0.86 mg/g, control; p<0.05) and glucosamine (9.30±0.76 mg/g, treated vs 6.06±0.85 mg/g, control; p<0.05) throughout the study as compared to control wounds. Protein and DNA content were significantly higher in treated wounds up to day 11 post wounding (9.07±0.13 mg/100mg & 7.82±0.25 mg/100mg respectively; p<0.05) as compared to control wounds (6.06±0.85 mg/100mg & 6.42±0.11 mg/100 mg, respectively; p<0.05). The increased rate of wound contraction and accumulation of higher amounts of hydroxyproline, glucosamine, protein and DNA in treated wounds exhibited the prominent wound healing potential of the herb. Conclusion: Rheum emodi root powder is a natural and safe herbal agent with a high wound healing potential.

Keywords: Rheum emodi, Wound contraction, Hydroxyproline, Glucosamine, Protein, DNA.