Research Article - (2018) Volume 6, Issue 4
Keywords: Poly herbal formulation; Diabetes; Incisional wound; Streptozotocin; Antioxidant
Wound is demarcated as the breakdown of community tissues by violence or trauma. The restoration of wounded or inflamed tissues back to normal condition is regarded as healing. The biological process involving tissue repair and regeneration conferred as wound healing. The process of healing is a complex progression of body tissue or skin. It is divided by three phase’s i.e., hemostasis or blood clotting, inflammation, proliferation or new tissue development and maturation of tissue [1,2]. Management of various metabolic ailments by polyherbalism has been recognized in ancient documents like ‘Sarangdhar Samhita’ dated in 1300 A.D. The presence of various phytoconstituents leads to significant therapeutic efficacy when formulated together with compatible herbs in formulations. In traditional systems of medicine numerous classical poly-herbal formulations were described which illustrate better therapeutic effectiveness rather than recent medication. Instead of single phytochemicals it is evident that the multi-constituent formulations have better therapeutic consequence. Multiple therapeutic targets can be achieve at the same time with combination of phytochemicals [3]. Though diabetic wound healing is a complex aliments, so the greater healing can be achieve with poly herbal formulation rather than mono herbs which also provides extended safety and enhances tolerability.
The underlying cause of Cellular injury is probably due to oxidative stress associated with diabetes complications like damage of tissue or dysfunction of organs. The oxidative stress increases reactive oxygen species that causes damage to bio-molecules like lipids, proteins and even DNA as well. The presence of various antioxidant enzymes such as super oxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase etc. can reduce cellular oxidative stress in significantly. Therefore the antioxidant rich medicine can reduce the long term complications of diabetes wounds.
Cassia auriculata [4,5], Mangifera indica [6,7], Ficus banghalensis [8,9], Cinnamomum tamala [10,11] and Trichosynthis diocia [12,13] are well-known herbs available throughout India. All those referred herbs are reportedly used for wound and diabetes mellitus as well. The synergistic or combined effect of those herbs is still not explored in terms of healing of diabetes associated wounds despite its individualized reports. The objective of this current study is to access overall antioxidant and healing potentials in diabetic conditions by using standard clinical in-vitro and in-vivo methods.
Chemicals
Streptozotocin (STZ) (Hi media, India), reagent of analytical grade (SD Fine chemical Ltd.), Standard Gallic acid (GA), Ellagic acid, Catechin, and Epicatechin were received from Natural Remedies Ltd, Bangalore, India, as gift samples.
Collection and authentication of the herbs
Botanicals were obtained from Kerala, India and authenticated. Herbarium (voucher specimen) were prepared and deposited in the Department of Pharmacognosy. The voucher numbers were given for each herb as shown in Table 1.
| Herbs | Family | Code | Part used | Voucher Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cassia auriculata L. | Caesalpiniaceae | CA | Flower | PG/CA/F-001 |
| Cinnamomum tamala | Lauraceae | CT | Leaves | PG/CT/L-003 |
| Ficus benghalensis L. | Moraceae | RB | Root bark | PG/FB/B-003 |
| Mangifera indica L. | Anacardiaceae | MI | Leaves | PG/MI/L-002 |
| Trichosanthes dioica | Cucurbitaceae | TD | Arial parts | PG/TD/AP-001 |
Table 1: Authentication of herbs present in the Polyherbal formulation.
Preparation of aqueous extract
All the procured phyto materials (Table 1) were shade dried, powdered separately and passed through #20 sieves. Powder materials were macerated with distilled water (1:10) and aqueous extracts were put into lyophilisation process. Herbal formulation was prepared by these lyophilized plant extracts.
Experimental animals
The stains of Wistar albino rats (weight 180 ± 10 g) of both sexes were used for the study. Polyacrylic cages were used in housed animals kept at standard condition with 24 h dark/light cycle and provided with free access to water and pellets diet. The anti-diabetic study protocol was executed as per to the guide lines of CPCSEA, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India.
Phytochemical investigation
1 gm of individual aqueous extracts was dissolved in 100 ml water to obtain a stock of concentration of 1% w/v and tested for the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, sterols, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and saponins as per standard procedure [14].
Development of polyherbal formulation
The dried lyophilized plant aqueous extracts were mixed in equal proportions with few ml of tween 80 solution and make the volume with water.
In-vitro antioxidant activity
Nitric oxide scavenging activity: The reaction mixture (5.0 ml) containing Sodium Nitro Prusside (25 mM) in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.3), with or without the plant extract at different concentrations and Incubated at 25°C for 180 min in front of a visible polychromatic light source (25 W tungsten lamp). The NO radical thus generated interacted with oxygen to produce the nitrite ion (NO) which was assayed at 30 min intervals by mixing 1.0 ml of incubation mixture with an equal amount of Griess reagent (1% sulfanilamide in 5% phosphoric acid and 0.1% naphthylethylenediamine dihydrochloride). The absorbance of the chromophore (purple azo dye) formed during the diazotisation of nitrite ions with sulphanilamide and subsequent coupling with naphthylethylenediamine dihydrochloride was measured at 546 nm. The nitrate generation was estimated from standard curve of known concentration of sodium nitrite. Each experiment was carried out at least three times and the data presented as an average of three independent determinations. The activity of poly herbal formulation was compared with ascorbic acid which was used as a standard antioxidant. The nitric oxide scavenging activity was calculated according to the following equation [15].
Percentage inhibition (%)=[(Absorbance of control-Absorbance of sample)/(Absorbance of control)] × 100
Superoxide scavenging assay
The superoxide radical generated from the photo reduction of riboflavin was detected by Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction. The reaction mixture contained EDTA (0.1 M) with 0.0015% NaCN, riboflavin (0.12 mM), NBT (1.5 mM) and various concentrations of extract (10-100 μg/ml) and phosphate buffer (67 mM, pH 7.8) in a total volume of 3 ml. The tubes were uniformly illuminated for 15 min and optical density was measured at 530 nm before and after the illumination. The percentage inhibition was calculated by using Equation [16].
Percentage inhibition (%)=[(Absorbance of control-Absorbance of sample)/(Absorbance of control)] × 100
DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay: Free radical scavenging effect was determined using the free radical generator DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Different concentrations of polyherbal extract were prepared in methanol ranging from 10 μg/mL to 100 μg/mL. Standard DPPH solution containing 0.1 mg/ml DPPH was prepared in methanol. Standard DPPH solution was then mixed with test drug dilution at a ratio 1:3 i.e., 1 mL of test extract was mixed with 3 mL of Standard DPPH solution in different properly closed containers. The mixtures were kept in the dark at a room temperature for 90 minutes. Absorbance of resulting solution was measured using spectrophotometer at 517 nm. Scavenging activity was calculated by using equation [17].
Percentage inhibition (%)=[(Absorbance of control-Absorbance of sample)/(Absorbance of control)] × 100
The antioxidant activity is expressed as IC50. The IC50 value is the measure of concentration in μg/ml of extract that inhibits 50% of DPPH radicals. Ascorbic acid has used as standard. All the test was perform in triplicate.
Scavenging activity of ABTS (Azino-bis (3-ethylbanzthiazoline-6- sulphonic acid) radicals: To prepare a dark colored ABTS working solution, ABTS solution (7 mM) was mixed with potassium oxidopersulphate (2.45 mM) solution and was placed in the dark for 12-16 h. The solution was diluted with 50% methanol and absorbance was adjusted at 0.7 (± 0.02) at 734 nm. Extract (100 μl) was mixed with 1 ml of ABTS working solution and decrease in absorbance was read 1 min after adding the extract and then up to 6 min. Percentage inhibition was calculated according to following formula [18].
Percentage inhibition (%)=[(Absorbance of control-Absorbance of sample)/(Absorbance of control)] × 100
IC50 values obtained as to determine the 50% inhibition of ABTS radicals.
Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity: PHF (4 ml) prepared in distilled water at various concentration (10-100 μg/ml) was mixed with 0.6 ml of 4 mM H2O2 solution prepared in phosphate buffer (0.1 M pH 7.4) and incubated for 10 min. The absorbance of the solution was taken at 230 nm. Ascorbic acid served as a positive control. The percentage of inhibition was calculated by comparing the absorbance values of the control and test samples using following equation. Percentage inhibition was calculated according to following formula:
Inhibition (%)=[(Absorbance of control-Absorbance of sample)/ Absorbance of control] × 100
IC50 values obtained as to determine the 50% inhibition of H2O2 radicals.
Acute oral toxicity study
Six rats each in four groups were randomly selected and fasted overnight. Rats were administered PHF with increasing doses (250, 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg/kg b.w.). The observational behavioral study done after one hour to detect any physiological changes like drowsiness, restlessness, writhing, convulsions, toxicity and mortality of animals. Same became repeated for the next 24 h, and then at every 24 h for any signs of acute toxicity over the duration of 14 days. OECD guideline-425 was referred for this acute toxicity study.
Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat’s model
Freshly prepared STZ in citrate buffer induced to the experimental rats (50 mg/kg b.w) by ip injection of 0.5 ml/kg b.w. [19,20] Post induction of STZ, the rats were provided with glucose solution (5% w/v, 2 ml/kg b.w.) to preclude hypoglycaemic mortality. 300 mg/dl or more fasting glucose level was deliberated as diabetics. Wister albino Rats were separated randomly into four experimental groups, six rats each.
Excision wound model: The rats were inflicted with excision wounds as described by Morton and Malone [19]. Under light ether anesthesia a circular wound of about 500 sq. mm was made on depilated ethane sterilized dorsal thoracic region of rats. The wounds were divided into six groups of six each. The animals of group I and II were left untreated (Normal control and diabetic control.) Group III animals were served as reference standard, treated with glibenclamide (1 mg/kg bw), animals of group IV were treated with PHF (500 mg/kg bw), once a day/po, starting from the day of operation, till complete epithelialization. The animals were housed individually. The wounds were traced on mm2 graph paper on the day of 6, 12, 18 and 21 post wounding days and thereafter on alternate days until healing was complete. The percentage of wound closure (% contraction), and period of epithelialization (number of days required for falling of the dead tissue remnants of the wound without any residual raw wound) were calculated.
Determination of percentage wound contraction
Percentage wound contraction=(Wound area on 1st day-Wound area on Nth day)/Wound area on 1st day × 100 [20].
Incision wound model: The method of Enrlich and Hunt [21] was adapted for incision wound model. Under light ether anesthesia, 6 cm long Para vertebral incisions were made through the full thickness of the skin on either side of the vertebral column. The wounds were closed with interrupted sutures of 1 cm apart. The animals were divided into six groups of six animals each. The animals were left undressed and housed separately. The animals of group I and II left untreated, the group III served as reference standard and received Glibenclamide (1 mg/kg bw). The animals of group IV were treated with PHF (500 mg/kg, bw) once a day from the day of operation till complete healing. The sutures were removed on 8th post wounding day and the skin breaking strength of the wounds were measured on the 10th day according to the continuous constant water flow technique of Lee et al. [22].
The anaesthetized rat was placed on operation table. The Allis forceps were firmly applied on the lines, facing each other. The forcep on one side was hooked to a metal rod, fixed firmly to the operation table, while the other to a light polythene container through a string runs over a pulley. Water was allowed to flow at a constant rate into the polythene container so as to build a gradual pulling force necessary to disrupt the wound. The flow of water was regulated by means of an occlusion clamp on rubber tubing connected to a reservoir, kept at a suitable height. The experiment stops with the gapping of wound observed with constant flow of water. The volume of water in the polythene container was measured and converted to the corresponding weight assuming the density to be equal to ‘one’. The tensile strength was expressed as the minimum weight of water necessary to bring about the gaping of the wound.
Dead space wound model: Under light ether anesthesia, the dead space wounds were created by subcutaneous implantation of sterilized cylindrical grass piths (2.5 cm × 0.3 cm) in the region of groin on both the sides and then the wounds were sutured [23]. The animals were divided into four groups of six each. The group I and II animals were left untreated and served as normal control and diabetic control. Group III and group IV animals received oral suspensions of Glibenclamide (1 mg/kg bw) and PHF (500 mg/kg bw) respectively. The granulation tissues formed around the piths were carefully harvested on the 10th post wounding day. The wet weight of the granulation tissue was noted. The breaking strength of the granulation tissue was measured by the method of Lee et al. [22], as described already under incision wound model. The granulation tissue was dried at 60°C for 24 h and weighed and the dry weight of the granulation tissue was noted. The dried tissue was added 5 ml of 6N Hydrochloric acid and kept at 110°C for 24 h the acid hydrolysate of dry tissue was used for estimation of hydroxyproline content [24].
Histopathological studies: A section of wet granulation tissue was subjected to histopathological examination so as to determine the pattern of lay down of collagen.
For histopathological studies, the granulation tissue was fixed in 10% neutral formalin solution for 24 h and dehydrated with a sequence of ethanol-xylene series of solutions step wise [25,26]. The tissue was then impregnated in molten paraffin and xylene (1:3) and incubated at 60°C for 1 hr. Then transferred to a vessel containing molten paraffin and xylene (1:1) and then to another vessel containing molten paraffin and xylene (3:1) and incubated at 60°C. Microtone sections were taken at 5-10 μ thickness. The sections were then hydrated by passing through decreasing grades of alcohol and finally distilled water. The hydrated tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin for a few minutes and washed with ammonia water and then with distilled water. The sections were carefully dehydrated with ascending grades of alcohol-xylene mixtures (1:3, 1:1 and 3:1) and counter stained with eosin and then dehydrated with alcohol. The sections were observed for histopathological changes under a microscope and photographs of the same were taken for interpretation of results.
Collagen estimation (Hydroxyproline content): For the preparation of protein hydrolysate, 50 mg of tissue sample in 1.0 ml of 6.0 N HCl was weighed and sealed in screw-capped glass tube [24]. The tubes were autoclaved at 15°C 1.056 kilograms per cm2 for 3 h. The hydrolysate was neutralized to pH 7.0 and brought to the appropriate volume. Test tubes marked as sample, standard and blank were taken. One ml of test sample was added to test tubes marked as sample, 1.0 ml of de-mineralized water to test tubes marked as blank and 1.0 ml standard solutions to test tubes marked as standard. One ml of 0.01 M Copper sulphate solution was added to all the test tubes followed by the addition of 1.0 ml of 2.5 N Sodium hydroxide and 1.0 ml of 6% Hydrogen peroxide. The solutions were occasionally mixed for 5 min and then kept for 5 min in a water bath at 80°C. Tubes were chilled in ice-cold water bath and 4.0 ml of 3.0 N Sulphuric acid was added with agitation. Two ml of p-(dimethylamino) benzaldehyde was then added and heated in water bath at temperature 70°C for 15 min. The absorbance was measured at 540 nm using UV spectrophotometer. The hydroxyproline content of the samples were determined by interpolating the O.D. values on the standard graph.
Statistical analysis
The data obtained from each experiment were subjected to one way ANOVA followed by Turkey’s Multiple Comparison test. The F values, dF values and P values were analyzed and recorded in respective tables.
Phytochemical screening
Preliminary phytochemical screening of PHF publicized the presence of phytochemicals like alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds.
In-vitro antioxidant activity
Nitric oxide scavenging activity: PHF showed a significant (p<0.05) free radical scavenging action in concentration dependent manner against nitric oxide (NO) induced release of free radicals compared to standard ascorbic acid. The IC50 values of standard drug and PHF were found to be 21.30 mM and 36.62 mM (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Nitric oxide scavenging activity.
Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (n=3). % Scavenging activity of PHF is statistically significant at p<0.05, compared ascorbic acid (standard).
Superoxide radical scavenging activity: The PHF showed superoxide radical scavenging activity in a concentration dependent manner. HAE and ascorbic acid exhibited 44.32% and 32.21%. Results showed by the PHF was statistically significant (p<0.05) compared to standard drugs (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Superoxide radical scavenging activity.
Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (n=3). % Scavenging activity of PHF is statistically significant at p<0.05, compared ascorbic acid (standard).
DPPH assay: The percentage inhibition of PHF and the standard ascorbic acid were found to be 34.65% and 31.20%, respectively. The PHF exhibited concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity, which clearly indicates the dose-dependent DPPH scavenging action (Figure 3).
Figure 3: DPPH scavenging activity.
Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (n=3). % scavenging activity of PHF is statistically significant at p<0.05, compared ascorbic acid (standard). DPPH=1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl.
Scavenging activity of ABTS radicals: Proton radical scavenging is an important attribute of antioxidants. ABTS is a protonated radical that has a characteristic maximum at 734 nm, which decreases with the scavenging of proton radicals. PHF shows the ABTS scavenging ability (Figure 4). The scavenging effect of ABTS radical increased with concentration. The PHF showed antioxidant activities, proving their capacity to scavenge ABTS.
Figure 4: Scavenging activity of ABTS radicals.
Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (n=3). % scavenging activity of PHF is statistically significant at p<0.05, compared to Butylated hydroxytoluene. ABTS (Azino-bis (3- ethylbanzthiazoline-6- sulphonic acid).
Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity/Hydroxyl radical scavenging: The potential of PHF inhibit hydroxyl-radical-mediated deoxyribose damage. The PHF and ascorbic acid exhibited scavenging activity of 34.12% and 27.92% respectively. It was showing that the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity occurred in a dose-dependent manner (Figure 5).
Figure 5: Hydrogen Peroxide scavenging activity.
Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (n=3). % scavenging activity of PHF is statistically significant at p<0.05, compared to ascorbic acid.
Acute oral toxicity study
Acute toxicity study revealed the non-toxic nature of PHF; there was no mortality, breathing, cutaneous effects, sensory nervous system responses and gastrointestinal effects or signs of behavioral changes or toxicity observed after oral administration of up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg. This study showed the single dose of PHF even at higher dosage does not produce any toxic symptoms indicating high margin of safety of extracts.
Evaluation of wound healing activity: The wound healing activities of PHF was evaluated employing three different animal models viz., excision, incision and dead space wound models. In all the models studied, significant wound healing activity was observed.
In excision wound model the parameters studied were percentage wound closure and mean epithelialization time. Significant wound healing activity was observed in the animals treated with PHF (Figure 6) compared to standard Glibenclamide treated group (Figure 6). The percentage of wound closure and percentage wound contraction as observed on 18th day in PHF treated group were 1.04 ± 1.07 Sq.mm and 99.86 ± 0.11% respectively compare to diabetic control 25.52 ± 2.1 Sq.mm and 86.12 ± 0.94 respectively. The mean epithelialization time was also comparatively less in PHF treated groups when compared to diabetic control (Table 2 and Figure 7).
Figure 6: Comparison of wound healing from 0 day to 20th day in experimental animals in excision wound model.
Figure 7: Percentage wound contraction in excision wound model.
| Day 1 | Day 6 | Day 12 | Day 18 | Day 21 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Negative Control | 491.39 ± 1.35 | 246.35 ± 2.10 | 101.23 ± 1.6 | 1.63 ± 1.23* | ----- |
| (% wound closure) | 0.00% | 50.06 ± 2.77 | 79.25 ± 1.95* | 99.69 ± 0.31 | ----- |
| Diabetic control | 532.49 ± 1.26 | 259.51 ± 2.3 | 117.08 ± 1.24 | 25.52 ± 2.1 | 11.51 ± 0.21 |
| (% wound closure) | 0.00% | 50.07 ± 3.21 | 77.44 ± 3.16 | 86.12 ± 0.94 | 89.82 ± 0.36 |
| Glibenclamide treated | 531.45 ± 2.35 | 305.61 ± 3.01 | 96.61 ± 2.36 | 12.1 ± 1.25 | 4.84 ± 1.02 |
| (% wound closure) | 0.00% | 42.38 ± 1.37 | 81.65 ± 2.37 | 93.66 ± 0.83 | 97.04 ± 0.55 |
| PHF treated | 465.73 ± 2.62 | 268.93 ± 1.51 | 76.76 ± 1.02* | 1.04 ± 1.07* | ----- |
| (% wound closure) | 0.00% | 41.71 ± 2.35 | 83.66 ± 1.65 | 99.86 ± 0.11 | ----- |
n=6 in each group. Values are represented as mean ± SEM.
*p<0.05 as compared to diabetic control (Tukey’s Kramer multiple comparison test).
Table 2: Effect PHF on excision wound model.
In the incision wound model the parameter studied was wound breaking or tensile strength of wounds. The results are furnished in Table 3. The results of the various parameters studied under dead space wound model (Figure 8) such as tensile strength/breaking strength of granulation tissue, wet and dry weight of granulation tissue and hydroxyproline content of the granulation tissue are shown in Table 4. The animals treated with PHF exhibited significant tensile strength (389.68 ± 0.52 g) on the post wounding day 10 compared to the reference standard treated group (350.54 ± 0.31 g).
Figure 8: Breaking strength of granulation tissue.
| Groups | Breaking strength (g) |
|---|---|
| Normal Control | 347.5 ± 0.25 |
| Diabetic control | 268.55 ± 0.12 |
| Glibenclamide | 350.54 ± 0.31 |
| PHF | 389.68 ± 0.52* |
n=6 in each group. Values are represented as mean ± SEM.
*p<0.05 as compared to diabetic control (Tukey Kramer multiple comparison test).
Table 3: Breaking strength of granulation tissue in incision wound model.
| Negative Control | Diabetic control | Glibenclamide | PHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granulation tissue dry weight (mg/100 g body weight) | 26.16 ± 0.52 | 18.68 ± 0.4 | 21.76 ± 0.24* | 32.33 ± 0.55* |
| Granulation tissue wet weight (mg/100 g body weight) |
52.53 ± 0.46 | 46.05 ± 0.49 | 48.61 ± 0.77 | 58.03 ± 0.64* |
| Hydroxyproline (µg/100 mg granulation tissue) | 29.33 ± 0.49 | 21.73 ± 0.31 | 24.19 ± 0.17* | 32.62 ± 0.21* |
n=6 in each group. Values are represented as mean ± SEM.
*p<0.05 as compared to diabetic control (Tukey Kramer multiple comparison test).
Table 4: Effect PHF on dead space wound model.
The tensile strength of the granulation tissue in PHF treated animals was significant (389.68 ± 0.52 g) when compared to that of diabetic control group (268.55 ± 0.12 g). The weight of the dry granulation tissue was also more significant in the animals treated with PHF (32.33 ± 0.55/100 g rat) when compared to diabetic control (18.68 ± 0.4 mg/100 g rat). The hydroxyproline content of the granulation tissue followed the same pattern as that of tensile strength. Hydroxyproline content of granulation tissue obtained from animals treated with PHF was comparatively more significant (32.62 ± 0.21 mg/g tissue) when compared to that of diabetic control (21.73 ± 0.31 mg/g tissue) (Table 4 and Figure 9).
Figure 9: Dry weight, Wet Wight and Hydroxyproline content in granulation tissue.
The PHF was found to be more efficient as evidenced by the histopathological studies of the granulation tissues. The negative control group showed fibro adipose tissue with adnexal structures (Figure 10) and granulation tissue consisting of predominantly proliferating vascular spaces, inflammatory cells and plump fibroblasts. Whereas in diabetic control group showed inflammatory cells and abundant plump fibroblasts (Figure 10) as like negative control. Increase number of macrophages, insignificant collagenation and vascularization also evident in diabetic control animals. PHF showed adipose tissue with a lymphnode (Figure 10) consisting of mixed population of lymphoid cells (Figure 10) with significant collagenation, less macrophages and well-formed capillaries. Glibenclamide treated group showed (Figure 10) the granulation tissue consisting of proliferating and congested vascular spaces, inflammatory cells and abundant plump fibroblasts (Figure 10).
Figure 10: Histopathological study of granulation tissue in wound groups.
The concept of poly-pharmacy has been practicing since from ancient time. The proven examples are listed in various Ayurveda literatures. The poly-herbal formulation was formulated using the lyophilized aqueous extracts of the dried flower of Cassia auriculata L ., dried leaves of Mangifera indica , dried root barks of Ficus banghalensis , dried leaves of Cinnamomum tamala , and dried whole plant of Trichosynthis diocia , which are mixed properly. The aqueous extract has been used to minimize the residual solvent toxicity.
The wound healing and blood sugar lowering activity of some individual plants has been reported along with their antioxidant properties. The poly-herbal formulation (PHF) majorly composed of phytochemicals like, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics and saponins etc. Flavonoids and polyphenols are natural antioxidants, reported to significantly increase SOD, glutathione and catalase activities [27]. Hence the poly-herbal formulation showed a significant antioxidant property as compared with various standards like ascorbic acid or butylated hydroxytoluene. The endothelial dysfunctions due to hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglycemia are the result of oxidative stress [28]. The reduction of antioxidant enzymes, inactivation of enzymes and lipid peroxidation cause cell death while free radicals get excess produces. The presence of significant amount of total phenolic and flavonoids make this formulation potent scavenging and antioxidants in biological systems. PHF showed scavenging activity were expressed in terms of % inhibition of generated free radicals respectively with respect to various concentrations. Concentration dependent effects were observed in each case. As per different studies, it was reported that there is an increase in free radicals formation in Diabetes mellitus and simultaneously decrease in antioxidant property. Different studies have shown that Diabetes mellitus is associated with the increased formation of free radicals and decrease in antioxidant potential which leads worsen the condition of wounds.
Wound management in diabetes is a complex and hindered process. Call proliferation and collagenation process get suppress due to hyperglycemia [16]. In this present investigation, the different process of collagenation and granulation was hastened by PHF in diabetic rats. The suggested mechanism behind the hastening process of wound repair may due to the potent antioxidant properties, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and astringent as well as immune modulatory property which may done due to the presence of various phytochemicals. Flavonoids like keampferol and quercetin, phenols and tannin are reported for its better collagenation and epithelialization activity which due to its scavenging activity [17]. The other constituents like alkaloids or tannins of PHF also possess antimicrobial activity [23] towards Staphtococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa responsible for diabetic foot ulcer. Hence it is concluded that the PHF have significant wound healing activity in diabetes and it may also be suggested for treating other kind of wounds in human beings.
Fibroplasia, collagenation and contraction are the multiple pathophysiological mechanisms of wound healing commenced by various active principles. The clinical condition like diabetes which alters the process of wound healing. Developed PHF has been found effective to lower the blood glucose level significantly after administration. This PHF has rich with alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids glycosides are well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, which also potentiate faster healing of wounds. This formulation will provide a fruitful solution for diabetic wound management and care.
Authors are thankful to the Principal and Managements of Acharya and BM Reddy College of pharmacy for providing adequate facilities and encouragements for accomplishment of this research work.
