Pharmacognostic characterization, wound healing and toxicity assessment of the stem bark of Xylia evansii Hutch (Leguminosae)

Xylia evansii is widely used in traditional medicine to stop bleeding gums and treat wounds. This study was undertaken to assess the wound healing activity and toxicity profile of the stem bark methanol extract of X. evansii (XES). Wound healing activity was determined by the dermal excision model in rats. The free radical scavenging capacity, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated by the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), aluminum chloride colorimetric and Folin Ciocalteu methods respectively. Acute and sub-acute oral toxicity assessment was performed following the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines. Significant (p 0.05) change in the body weight or weight of the heart, lung, spleen, liver and kidneys. The haematological and biochemical profiles of XES-treated rats were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected after 4-weeks treatment with XES, except for platelet count which increased significantly (p