The influence of aspilia pluriseta scweinf on the healing of cutaneous excision wounds

Abstract

A number of communities in the East and Southern African region have reported the application of Aspilia pluriseta to wounds to aid in their healing. Aerial parts of the plant were ground and incorporated into an ointment base (Simple Ointment, B.P.) to evaluate the influence of the plant on excision wounds in a murine model with reference to silver sulfadiazine (Silverex Cream®). The A. pluriseta based ointments (10% and 20% w/w of A. pluriseta powder in ointment base) supported wound contraction in the first two weeks of healing though the magnitude was not significant at p-values ≤0.05. The same ointments also enhanced neovascularization, collagen deposition and epidermal remodeling. The 20% A. pluriseta ointment was repeatedly applied onto shaven guinea pig skin to test the allergy induction potential of the plant material. The ointment induced a moderate allergic reaction. The observed activity offers justification for more extensive studies into the potential of the plant in development of herbal remedies. Its value may however be limited by its allergy inducing potential.