Influence of Aspilia pluriseta Schweinf (Asteraceae) on the healing of dermal excision wounds (mouse model) and skin sensitization activity (Guinea pig model)

Abstract

Background: The skin is highly predisposed to injury because of its direct contact with the environment. The aim of treating of wounds is to both hasten healing, and to minimise the occurrence of perturbations of the healing process. Many plants traditionally used to treat wounds have been proven to support the healing process using scientific models. Aspilia pluriseta has been used by a number of communities in East and Southern Africa to treat wounds. Objectives: This study aimed at testing ethnomedical claims of wound healing activity of A. pluriseta using preclinical models. Methods: Aerial parts of the plant were ground and incorporated into an ointment base (10% and 20% w/w) to evaluate the influence of the plant on the healing of acute excision wounds in mice compared to Silverex Cream® and Simple Ointment (B.P.). The 20% ointment was tested for skin sensitization in guinea pigs. Results: The effects of the plant-based ointments on wound contraction and gross epithelialisation time were less than significantly different from the controls (p≥0.05), but histopathologic examination revealed remarkable epithelialisation and collagen deposition in the wounds treated with the these ointments. The 20% A. pluriseta-based ointment induced moderate allergic contact dermatitis.