Evaluation of wound healing activities of Vitex doniana (Black Plum) ethanol fruit extract

In this study, the folkloric use of Vitex doniana fruit extract for the treatment of wounds was evaluated. The mesocarps of the fresh fruits were removed, oven-dried at 40°C and pulverized. The powdered material (800 g), was exhaustively macerated in 80 % ethanol, filtered and dried in a water bath at 40°C. Phytochemical screening and acute dermal toxicity of the extract were investigated. Herbal ointments (10 and 50 %w/w) were formulated using soft paraffin base. The wound-healing effect of the extract was carried out using twenty albino rats divided into four groups (n=5). Groups I (soft paraffin) and II (10 %w/w Povidone-iodine) served as negative and positive controls, respectively. Groups III and IV were topically treated with 10 %w/w and 50 %w/w of the herbal ointment respectively. Treatments and wound grading were assessed once daily and every 4 days, respectively, as well as the timeframe for percentage wound contraction and epithelialization Both the 10 %w/w and 50 %w/w herbal ointments exhibited a concentration-related significant (P<0.05) wound contraction when compared to the control. Epithelialization period of 50 %w/w extract was less than that of the standard drug. The wound closure area of 50 %w/w extract was >positive control >10 %w/w extract > negative control. Histological study of the wounds on the 16th day indicated no sign of dermal toxicity. Some secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and tannins were present. In conclusion, the folkloric use of the fruit extract of V. doniana for the treatment of wounds may therefore be justified