Phytochemical Investigations and Wound Healing Potentials of Ethanolic Extract of the Leaves of Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) Plant

Abstract

Background: Traditionally, plants have been employed in many countries for the treatment of wounds and bums. They contain natural agents with immense potentials to induce healing and regeneration of the lost tissue by multiple mechanisms. Different parts of Jatropha curca plant have been employed in traditional medicine for management and treatment of ailments such as vaginal bleeding and wounds

Objective: To investigate the phytochemical, nutritional and wound healing potential of leaves of 1. curcas using standard methods.

Materials and Methods: Ethanol crude extract and pulverized sample were employed for phytochemical, nutrient and mineral analysis. The in-vivo wound healing study was done using four groups of rats. Wounds were inflicted on the rats using excision wound model. Different doses ofthe ethanol extract (0.10 ml, 0.20 ml and 0.40 ml) incorporated inVaselineas base was employed in treating the induced wounds to determine their rate of healing.

Results: The result showed that the ethanol extract ofleaves of 1. curcas influences wound closure to a great extent at the middle dose (0.20 ml). The nutritional analysis showed that 1. curcas is a good source ofprotein (62.30%) and the inorganic content was revealed in total ash content of 14.4%.Phytochemical screening ofthe ethanolic crude extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, steroids and terpenoids. The mineral composition indicated the leaves 1. curcas as potential source ofinorganicelements such as magnesium(92.38 mg/l00 g), manganese(9.04 mg/I00g), zinc (3.10 mg/I 00 g) and Copper (0.78 mg/ 100 g).

Conclusion: The result of this study, which demonstrated significant wound healing activity of ethanolic extract ofthe leaves of 1. curcas, established its traditional claim as wound healing plant. 1. curcas could be a potent wound healing candidate for use in future.