The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of
methanol and
chloroform extracts of Bauhinia purpurea on experimentally induced excision, incision,
burn and dead space
wound models in Sprague Dawley rats. Formulations of
methanol and
chloroform extracts of Bauhinia purpurea were prepared in
carbopol and simple
ointment base at concentrations of 2.5% and 5% and applied to the
wounds. In the excision and
burn wound models, animals treated with high doses of
methanol and
chloroform showed significant reduction in time taken for epithelization and
wound contraction (50%) compared to control. A significant increase in breaking strength was found in incision
wound model with
methanol and
chloroform extracts compared to their respective bases. In the dead space
wound model,
methanol and
chloroform extract treatment (100 and 500 mg/kg) orally produced a significant increase in the breaking strength, dry tissue weight and
hydroxyproline content of the granulation tissue when compared to control. Among the extracts,
methanol extract exhibited more activity followed by the
chloroform extract. In conclusion, the present study indicated that Bauhinia purpurea leaves exhibited wound healing activity.