Wound Healing and Curative Properties of Alligator Pepper (Aframomum Melegueta) seed extract in Albino Rats (Rattus Norvegicus)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Alligator pepper, Aframomum melegueta, seed extract on wound healing in albino rats.  Four treatment groups of eight albino rats each were used for the experiment. Group 1 were given feed and water only. Group 2, 3 and 4 were exposed to a reference drug (Cicatrin), 10% and 20% of the extract respectively for 21 days. Excision wounds of 30mm were made on dorsal thoracic central region of the rats. Serum from blood collected from the dorsal aorta of sacrificed rats were analysed for oxidative stress biomarkers (TNF-α, MDA and SOD) using standard methods. The tissue samples from the wounds were collected and histhopathologically analysed under a light microscope. The decrease in wound size was measured using an electronic Vernier Calliper at intervals of two days. The values of TNF-α ranged from 87pg/ml to 136pg/ml while those of MDA ranged from 0.92 to 3.19µmol/L. The maximum and minimum values of SOD recorded were 25.15U/mg protein and 12.6U/mg protein respectively. The smallest wound size value, 5.5mm, was measured in Group 3 on day 19 of the experiment. Behavioural changes were observed which included lethargy and anorexia. The histopathological study of the extract groups showed the formation of new tissues, keratinized substances and hair follicle. The results obtained from the wound measurements supported the conclusion that the extract had a better effect on the wound healing in experimental animals.