Effect of Tephrosia purpurea (L) Pers. on Partial Thickness and Full Thickness Burn Wounds in Rats

Abstract The plant Tephrosia purpurea (Linn) Pers. (Fabaceae) has been used for a long time in folk medicine for the management of several diseases, including ulcers and other internal wounds. The objective of the present study was to screen the flavonoid-rich fraction of Tephrosia purpurea L. aerial parts for its burn wound repairing efficacy based on traditional uses. Flavonoid fraction ointment (5% w/w) was prepared with simple ointment base B.P. for topical application. The silver sulphadiazine ointment (standard) and simple ointment base B.P. (control) was used in partial thickness and full thickness burn wound models. Wound contraction and tensile strength were measured in partial thickness burn, where as full thickness model was used for the determination of protein, hydroxyproline, anti-oxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GSH) level in granuloma mass as well as for histopathological study. It was observed that, wound contraction and tensile strength of skin tissues were observed significantly greater (P