Abstract

Background: The mastery and supervision of traditional medicine in our country, particularly Senegal, would be of capital importance for the population. We were interested in the physiological effects of Voacanga africana (VOC) extracts in wound healing and topical inflammation.

Aims and Objectives: This work was to evaluate the effects on inflammation and tissue repair of an hydroethanolic extract of V. africana.

Materials and Methods: Wounds were created from a rat burn model and wound healing was evaluated (Kamoshida method) topical inflammation in a murine model of croton oil-induced inflammatory edema. For each experiment, batches of rats or of a mouse were formed, and every batch included five animals.

Results: VOC’s 30% root bark ointment showed complete healing by day 16 for the burn test. As for inflammation, the 10% ointment inhibits 80% of the inflammatory edema in the same manner as indomethacin, used as the standard anti-inflammatory drug.

Conclusion: VOC could have dose-dependent effects on inflammation and burn healing.

Key words: Voacanga africana; Root Bark; Healing; Inflammation