Effect of Licorice on Wound Healing In Rabbits

Abstract

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the most widely used medicinal plants and is included in numerous traditional and modern medical preparations. In the present study the healing effect of licorice extract was investigated on open skin wounds in rabbits. Adult Newzeland rabbits of both sexes weighing 1.5-2.5 kg were used. Hairs of lower back and left flank of animal were shaved. Full-thickness wound (15x15 mm) was made on the shaved area. Hydroalcoholic extract of licorice was prepared by maceration method. Creams of 5%, 10% and 15% (w/w) extract in eucerin base were prepared and applied 2 times daily. Dexpanthenol ointment was used as standard control. Healing was determined by reduction in wound area. The results of this study proved that licorice cream of 10% was a potent healing agent even better than dexpanthenol cream.