Wound Healing Activity of Polyscias scutellaria Leaves Extract Ointment

Abstract

Burns is still a challenge for health workers and one of the global community’s health problems. Many synthetic drugs are used as wound treatment, but it has high cost and much side effects. Hence, this study was designed to explore the wound healing activity from Polyscias scutellaria leaves. This experimental study used 25 male Wistar rats grouped into five groups: control (Ointment base), standard (Nebacetin), 12.5%, 25%, and 50% Polyscias scutellaria leaves extract ointment. The Polyscias scutellaria leaves ointment was made of Polyscias scutellaria leaves ethanol extract, which was obtained by maceration. Two parameters were analyzed, viz. wound contraction and epithelialization period. The result showed that on the 15^th day, the highest wound contraction was found in 25% Polyscias scutellaria leaves extract ointment group (80.97%), followed by the 50% (79.46%), 12.5% ​​(67.19%), the standard (65.86%), and the control group (55.46%).  Meanwhile, the most extended period of epithelialization was found in the control group (14 days), followed by the 50% (13 days), 25% (12 days), standard (12 days), and 12.5% Polyscias scutellaria leaves ointment (10 days). Overall, it can be concluded that the lowest concentration (12.5%) of ointment already has wound healing activity.