Wound healing activity of the aqueous leaf extract of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (Arecaceae)

Abstract

Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (Arecaceae) still called Palm Oil, is a source of food and a natural remedy against several diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the healing activity of the aqueous leaf extract of E. guineensis in second-degree experimental burn model in Wistar strain rat. Two ointments (3 and 10%) of the aqueous leaf extract in the vaseline (EGV-3% and EGV-10%) were used for the test. Phyto-chemically, the aqueous leaf extract contains tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and sterols-triterpenes. Daily application of ointments promotes a concentration-dependent healing. The cicatrization rate is higher with EGV-10%, which induces near-complete tissue repair after 22 days of treatment. These results show the value of traditional using of E. guineensis leaves in the healing of wounds and burns.