Evaluation of wound healing activity of methanolic extract of Cinnamonum verum in wistar albino rats

Abstract

Cinnamon verum is one of the medicinal plants used traditionally for the management of wounds. Wounds are a health problem with devastating consequences for patients and inflict a great cost to both societies and health care systems. The reliance on antibiotics has led to advanced side effects compromising an individual’s well-being and long-term hospitalization of patients hence a need to develop alternative and effective remedies to manage wounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the wound healing activity of methanolic extract of Cinnamonum verum extract on Wistar albino rats. Fresh leaves of Cinnamon were collected and transported to RTC Lab Makerere, where the extraction was done and phytochemical constituents were qualitatively determined. Twelve Wistar albino rats were used and divided into four groups each having three animals and incised to induce wounds. The extract was then applied on wounds typically to observe their effects. Neomycin sulphate cream and Distilled water were used as positive and negative control respectively. The results showed that Cinnamonum verum extract contained much concentration of glycosides, tannins, flavonoids and carbohydrates and moderate concentration of terpenoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. On analysis, the results further showed that 200 mg/kg, 400mg/kg, and neomycin sulphate cream had significant wound area reduction at the termination of the experiment on day 16 compared to distilled water given as 0.43±0.13, 0.09±0.09, 0.53±0.37, 1.97±0.37 respectively. This finding provides evidence that Cinnamonum verum has some wound healing properties which could be attributed to the phytochemical constituents in it. However, further research should be carried out to assess its efficacy as well as safety in the host.