The Effect of Withania Somnifera Root Extract on Open Wound Healing in the Male Rats

Healing cutaneous wounds is regarded as one of the most important issues in the medicine. Different chemical agents have been used in regard with promoting wound healing, most of which unfortunately present some side effects and defects. Since natural combinations have proposed less disadvantages, this study aimed to investigate the effect of Withania Somnifera root extract on cutaneous wound healing in the male rats. This study was performed on 36 rats weighing 180-220g that were divided into 6 groups (n=6). First, wounds (2x2) were made on the dorsal skin of the animals. The first group was left without treatment (control group), the second was treated with Eucerin(negative control), the third group received 1% of phenytoin cream and in the other groups, different concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract of Withania Somnifera (20%, 40%, 60% w/w) combined with Eucerin base were administrated once per day. The area of wounds was measured by Autocad software every day, from the 2nd day to 14th day. The study data were analyzed via SPSS software (ver.16) at the significant level of P<0.05.The reduction of incisional wound area in the all groups treated with root extract of Withania Somnifera ointment was significantly higher on the 8th day. Moreover, dose of 60% and 90% revealed better effects (p<0.001). The findings of the present study demonstrated that Withania Somnifera root, due to its significant reduction in the healing time as well as wound area, can be used as an effective material in regard with the cutaneous wound healing.