Wound Healing Effects of Panchavalkal Ointment on Mechanically Induced Wounds in Wistar Albino Rats

Introduction: Panchavalkal is a well-known Ayurvedic poly-herbal formulation that has been reported to be used against inflammation, cleaning ulcers, and other types of wounds. Wounds affect a large proportion of the population worldwide most especially children in rural areas. However, little attention is always given to this health concern. In the experiment, one group received sesame oil to act as a positive control, another group received no intervention, acting as a negative control, while the remaining two groups received Panchavalkal ointment as treatment groups

Aims and Objectives: To investigate the wound healing activity of Panchavalkal ointment on mechanically induced wounds in Wistar rats.

Material and Methods: Wistar strain albino rats of both sexes weighing 180 to 220g were used for the experiment. The rats were divided into four groups each consisting of six rats. A total of 24 rats were used for the whole study

Statistical Analysis: One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean values of quantitative variables among the groups followed by Dunnett’s multiple ‘t’ test

Observations & Results: Sesame oil and Panchvalkal ointment showed almost similar wound healing effects in comparison to control group which received no intervention.

Discussion: Panchavalkal ointment showed a statistically highly significant percentage of contraction of the excision wound area as compared to the negative control. Epithelization period was significantly decreased in sesame oil and Panchavalkal ointment (treatment groups).

Conclusion: Panchavalkal ointment decreased the pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling of the wounds which helped to control infection on the wounds and enhanced the rate of wound healing in albino rats. Therefore Panchavalkal ointment has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and wound-healing properties.