PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA LEAVES EXTRACT LOADED WITH EMULGEL IN ANIMAL MODELS

Abstract

Calotropis procera demonstrates significant pharmacological properties, as evidenced by its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and analgesic activities. The ethanolic extract exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial effects, with the highest zones of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (24 mm) and Bacillus subtilis (22 mm). Fractionated extracts (hexane and chloroform) showed dose-dependent activity, with chloroform fractions being more effective. For example, the chloroform fraction at 60 µL/disc achieved a 25 mm zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. Similarly, the chloroform fraction displayed superior antifungal effects, with a 20 mm inhibition zone against Candida albicans at 60 µg/disc. In-vivo wound healing activity was evaluated on male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 200-250g. The dorsal side of the rats was shaved and properly anaesthesized them with 1.5 mg/kg of Xylazine and 20mg/kg Ketamine and wound created through incision process and 70% ethanol was used to sanitize them 1g dose for a period of 15 days. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of Calotropis procera and support its traditional medicinal applications. Further studies are warranted to isolate and characterize its bioactive compounds for potential drug development.