Publication:

Wound healing effect of Parmelia perlata (Huds.) Ach. in albino Wistar rats: an in vivo study

Background A wound is a disruption of soft tissue that heals with scar formation. Herbal medicines are widely preferred for wound management because of their cost-effectiveness and minimal side effects. In Unani medicine, Charela (Parmelia perlata), a lichen from Parmeliaceae family, found on rocks and tree trunks, is traditionally used for wound healing and other ailments. It contains several bioactive constituents, including Usnic acid, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, steroid, tannins, vitamin A and C. Objective was to evaluate the wound healing activity of the ointments prepared from hydro alcoholic extract and powder of the Charela (Parmelia perlata) in albino Wistar rats.

Methods Wound healing activity was evaluated using the excision wound model in albino Wistar rats divided into five groups (n=6). Group I served as untreated control, group II received ointment base (wax and Roghan Kunjad), group III received neomycin 0.5% ointment as standard treatment, group IV received ointment containing hydroalcoholic extract of Charela, and group V received ointment containing Charela powder. Treatments were administered until complete wound healing, which was evaluated based on the rate of wound contraction and period of epithelialization.

Results Ointments formulated with the hydroalcoholic extract and powder of Charela (Parmelia perlata) demonstrated significant wound healing activity, evidenced by increased wound contraction and reduced period of epithelialization compared to the control group.

Conclusions Ointments prepared from Hydro alcoholic extract and powder of Charela (Parmelia perlata) promote enhanced wound healing activity.