Evaluation of Wound Healing and Antibacterial Activities of Solvent Fractions of 80% Methanol Leaf Extract of Brucea antidysenterica J.F. Mill (Simaroubaceae)

Abstract

Background: Brucea antidysenterica is a well-known medicinal plant that has traditionally been used to treat a variety of ailments, including wound healing. Supporting the traditional claims, wound healing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of the crude extracts of different parts of the plant were reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the wound healing and antibacterial activities of solvent fractions of the menthol leaf extract of Brucea antidysenterica. Methods: Methanol (80%) leaf extract of Brucea antidysenterica was fractionated using three solvents; water, n-butanol and chloroform. An ointment containing 2% and 4% of each fraction was formulated and applied to wounds inflicted on rats topically. The wound contraction rate, period of epithelialization, and breaking strength were analysed. In vitro antibacterial activities were tested using the agar diffusion method. The macro-tube dilution technique was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined by sub-culturing the MIC and concentrations below the MIC. Results: The 2% and 4% aqueous fractions (AF) significantly increased wound contraction (p 0.001) compared to the negative control and increased tensile strength compared to untreated (p 0.001). Among the three fractions, the n-butanol fraction showed the highest antibacterial growth inhibition, ranging from 8 mm (E. coli) to 16 mm (S. aureus). Conclusion: Data obtained from this study collectively indicated that the aqueous fraction of 80% methanol leaf extract of B. antidysenterica possesses wound healing and antibacterial activities.