Background: Rumex vesicarius Linn leaf extract is extensively used in folk medicine for wound cure in the sub-continent, but there is no pharmacological evidence present in support of this practice. The present study was conducted to validate the folkloric use of Rumex vesicarius on experimentally induced excision wounds in rabbits. Phytochemical constituents were also evaluated. Material and Methods: Aqueous and methanol fractions of R.vesicarius leaf extracts were prepared and analysed for the possible presence of major phytochemical classes. A 20% w/v gel of each extract (Methanol, Aqueous) was made using Cabopol 940 in the concentration of 5%. wounds were produced experimentally in normal rabbit's dorsal region of back under ketamine anesthesia. The decrease in wound size was judged by using a scale. Povidone-Iodine treated group was taken as standard while untreated group was taken as control. Results: Aqueous fraction (200mg/kg) showed 92.34% maximum percentage of wound healing compared to control, while, 79.71% wound healing with methanol fraction (200mg/kg). Both the extracts were found to be statistical significant and comparable to control. Furthermore, wound healing activity was found to be better than standard (Povidone-iodine) treated group which may be attributed to the faster action of the active Phytochemical constituent and their multiple mechanisms. Conclusion: We concluded that R.vesicarius posses good wound healing activity and can be used as alternative medicine for wound care.

Traditional Unani (Greco-Arab) medicine is among the most ancient therapies founded by the father of Western medicine, the Hippocrates. Presently, most of the population worldwide depend on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary health care needs. Treatment with medicinal plants is appraised very safely as there are no or minimal side effects. The promising fact is that herbal treatment can be used irrespective of any age group. Most of the pharmaceutical companies are currently conducting extensive research on plant materials assemble from the rain forests and other places for their potential medicinal value. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Leguminosae/Fabaceae) is best known for its use in making licorice-flavored confectionery. In Unani medicine, it is commonly known as Aṣl al-Sūs. It is a plant of remote origin. Aṣl al-Sūs extracts and its principle element “glycyrrhizin” have widely been used in foods, tobacco and for medicinal purposes in herbal and traditional medicines as well. It possesses multiple pharmacological and medicinal activities such as anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and hepatoprotective actions. This review attempts to compile the data regarding its ethnobotanical actions and medicinal uses in Unani medicine along with its phyto-pharmacological descriptions. Keywords: Herbal medicine, Aṣl al-Sūs., Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

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