Physico-chemical Evaluation of the Efficiency of Ash from the Leaves of Ocimum gratissimum L. in Skin Healing

Ocimum gratissimum L. is a plant whose leaf ash is widely cited as having wound healing properties. This work therefore consists in verifying the healing activity of the ashes of the leaves of this plant. Different leaf samples of this plant were collected from four sites in the central region of Benin and six sites in the southern region. The leaves of this plant were treated and calcined in a muffle furnace at a temperature of 500°C. The mineral contents of the ashes obtained are determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Emission Spectrometry (SEM/EDS). Each ash was also dissolved and the pH of the substrates obtained measured. The results obtained show that the various ashes are rich in minerals with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties such as zinc (3256ppm-5020pm), sulphur (1278ppm-3513pm) and selenium (186ppm-412pm). In addition, the ashes studied are slightly acidic and their presence in a wound would not favour the development of certain pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella. The results obtained provide justification for the traditional use of Ocimum gratissimum L. leaf ash in the treatment of external wounds.