New Herbal Ointment Accelerates Wound Healing in Rats

Researchers at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, have developed a herbal ointment that significantly accelerated wound healing in laboratory animals, as detailed in a study published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research. The study focused on the wound-healing effects of ointments made from aqueous leaf extracts of Acacia nilotica, Aloe vera, and Calotropis procera, both individually and in combination.

Acacia nilotica, known as the gum arabic tree, is prevalent in Nigeria's northern savannah and Sahel regions, traditionally used for treating cuts and burns. Aloe vera, recognized for its soothing properties, and Calotropis procera, used for inflammation and healing, were also evaluated.

The research involved 45 healthy Wistar rats divided into nine groups, with treatments applied daily to surgically created skin wounds over 21 days. The findings revealed that the polyherbal formulation stimulated skin regeneration, new blood vessel formation, and collagen production, highlighting the strong wound-healing properties of Acacia nilotica.