Costus speciosus leaf and seed extracts for wound healing: a comparative evaluation using mice excision wound models

Abstract

Background The present study investigated the potential wound healing activity comparisons between ethanol leaf & seed extracts of Costus speciosus topical formulation using mice Excision wound models, compared to Neomycin sulphate ointment as a standard drug. To assess the efficacy of Costus speciosus ointment as a potential alternative to commercially available ointments, a study was conducted using a cohort of 16 healthy male mice, aged between 3 and 4 months. The ointment formulation was prepared utilizing ethanol extracts from both the leaves and seeds, presented in a dosage form for application. This investigation seeks to provide insights into the comparative effectiveness of Costus speciosus ointments in relation to conventional market preparations, with a focus on its potential applicability as an alternative therapeutic option. The parameter measured was wound contraction and epithelization period. Result The mice groups treated with seed & leave extracts ointment showed better wound size changes than the negative and standard groups. However, the leaf extract ointment promotes the formation of granulation in tissue, allowing the reepithelization phase to occur more rapidly than seed extract. From the 1st day to the results of the 9th day of the extract indicate that there is a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the percentage of wound contraction in the group. After 21 days the wound was healed fully. These results suggest that ointment of ethanol leaf extract of Costus speciosus could be an answer to facilitate wound healing compared to seed extract, to approve the traditional claims of the plant in wound healing activity. Conclusion The study concludes that ethanol leaf and seed extracts of Costus speciosus exhibit potential wound healing activity in mice excision wound models. The topical formulation of these extracts significantly enhances wound closure, reduces wound size, and increases tensile strength compared to the control group. The efficacy of the extracts is comparable to the standard drug, Neomycin sulphate ointment. Therefore, the use of Costus speciosus extracts in topical formulations can be considered a promising alternative for the treatment of wounds. However, further studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of these extracts in humans.