Histopathological Wound Healing Assessment of Methanolic Leaves Extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on Wistar Rats

Background: Jatropha tanjorensis, commonly known as ‘hospital too far’ is a nutritious vegetable often taken as soup in various parts of Nigeria. It has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process of replacing devitalized and missing cellular structures and tissue layers. Wound healing is a major clinical challenge, and medicinal plants continue to attract interest for their potential therapeutic benefits. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the wound healing properties of methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis in wistar rats. Material and Methods: A physical and phytochemical analysis was carried out. The study involved creating a 1.5cm full thickness wound on the dorsal region of 15 healthy Wistar rats. Two ointment formulations percentages (1% and 2%) of the leaf’s extracts were prepared using Vaseline as a base ointment and applied topically to the wounded rats. The rats were divided into five different groups; negative control, vehicle control, standard drug, the two test groups which were treated with 1% and 2% of the extract. The wound length and percentage of recovery were measured on the 4th, 7th, 10th and 13th days (p > 0.05), and histological analysis of the wounded area was performed on the 14th day. Results: Sweet scent, charcoal green color, 4.4 g crude extract and a percentage yield of 2.5% were obtained from the physical properties of the extract. Flavonoid, Alkaloid, Terpenoids, Tannins, Phenol, Saponins and Cardiac glycosides were determined. The highest extract concentration (2%) demonstrated the best wound contraction over time. The histological analysis demonstrated improved cellular proliferation, epidermal regeneration, collagen formation, new blood vessel formation, and granulation tissue formation. Conclusion: The research showed that Jatropha tanjorensis has a wound healing property most notable at higher concentrations.