Assessment of Wound Healing Potential of Passiflora foetida L. Stem in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract— The study investigates the wound healing potential of Passiflora foetida L. stem in a Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. Diabetes mellitus is a major contributor to delayed wound healing, and traditional plant-based treatments offer promising alternatives. In this experiment, diabetic wounds were induced in Wistar albino rats using STZ, and the healing process was evaluated following the topical application of Passiflora foetida L. stem extracts. The rats were divided into various treatment groups, with one group receiving the extract, while others were treated with a standard wound healing agent or a control. Parameters such as wound closure rate, histopathological changes, and biochemical markers associated with healing (collagen content, inflammatory mediators, and antioxidant levels) were assessed over a period of time. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in wound healing in the group treated with Passiflora foetida L. stem extract, showing accelerated wound closure and enhanced tissue regeneration compared to the control group. These findings support the traditional use of Passiflora foetida for wound healing and suggest that it may possess therapeutic potential for diabetic wound care. Further studies to isolate the active compounds and evaluate their mechanisms of action are warranted.