The efficacy taro leaf extract on wound healing contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria

Abstract

Introduction: taro leaves (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) have been reported to possess wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. One of the factors that affect wound healing is infection in the wound, wherein the wound is infected by  bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus that is mostly found in the oral cavity, the wound healing process will be hampered and become longer healed.The objective of this research was to analyze the efficacy of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott extract on the healing process of wounds contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: This experimental study on Sprague dawley rats was carried out at the Teaching Veterinary Hospital, IPB . Twenty-four Sprague dawley rats were made with circular excision wounds with a diameter of 2 cm on the dorsum, and Staphylococcus aureus specimens were contaminated with a dose of 3.4x108 LAC. Rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I was given a placebo, group II was given a 25% concentration of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott extract on the wound once a day. Four rats from each group were euthanized on days 3, 7, and 14. The number of neutrophils, macrophages, re-epithelialization and FGF-2 expression were measured by microscopic observation with visual field control, and comparative data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney statistical test. Results: The number of neutrophils on day 7 of the Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott leaf extract group was less than the control group (p=0.040). The number of macrophages on the 3rd day was more in the treatment group than the control group (p=0.032), and on the 14th day, the treatment group was less than the control group (p=0.040). Epithelial cells on the 14th day of the treatment group were more than the control group (p=.0.017). The level of FGF-2 expression on day 7 of the treatment group was higher than the control group (p=0.044). Conclusion: Application of extracts  Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott leaf is proven to be efficacious on day 7 for wound healing contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.