Wound healing properties of Epiphyllum oxypetalum (DC.) Haw. leaf extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice by topical application

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcer is a serious complication of diabetes, resulting from peripheral neuropathy, macrovascular and microvascular disease, impaired angiogenesis and chronic inflammation. Epiphyllum oxypetalum leaves have been proven to be efficacious in incision wound healing. This project aimed to evaluate the wound healing properties of topical application of Epiphyllum oxypetalum leaves in diabetic mice. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin. Wound healing activity was assessed by incision model. A total of 40 mice were used in this project, divided into four groups: WE10 and WE20 groups were treated topically with 10% and 20% Epiphyllum oxypetalum leaf extract ointment, respectively, while the diabetic control and non-diabetic groups were treated topically with the ointment base. The results showed significant wound healing progress in mice treated with Epiphyllum oxypetalum extract ointment, as assessed by wound contraction, number of macrophages and fibroblast count. In conclusion, topical application of 96% ethanol extract of Epiphyllum oxypetalum leaves could accelerate the wound healing time in diabetic mice, where the best activity was shown by 20% Epiphyllum oxypetalum extract.