SIMPLE EVALUATION OF THE WOUND HEALING EFFECT OF TOPICAL OINTMENTS MADE FROM SENECIO VERNALIS (ASTERALES: ASTERACEAE) PLANT EXTRACT IN RATS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the gross effect of ointments made from Senecio vernalis extract on the healing of cutaneous wounds of rats. Thirty adult female albino rats (average weight of 250±10 g) were randomly divided into six groups. Experimental wounds were made on the dorsal thoracic region of anesthetised rats. Four groups were treated with specific ointment concentrations consisted of 3.75%, 7.5%, 15%, and 30% weight/weight Senecio vernalis ethanol extract in Eucerin™ ointment base; one group was treated by the ointment basis alone (basis) and no treatment was applied to the remaining group (control). Wound healing was assessed by computerised planimetry. Data were analysed statistically using a repeated measures mixed model. Statistical evaluation of mean wound area differentiation between groups, showed no significant changes in overall rate of the wound healing (P>0.05). However, comparisons within each group, revealed that in three groups (3.75%, 7.5%, and 15% extract concentration) a significant wound size reduction happened earlier. These results deny strong hypotheses about the desirable wound healing effects of S. vernalis contrary to other similar plants of the genus Senecio, and anti-ulcer effects of Senecio brasiliensis (a similar species to S. vernalis) in the duodenum and stomach of rats and mice.

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