ANTI-MICROBIAL AND WOUND HEALING EFFICACY OF STHANIKA DHOOPANA IN WISTAR RATS USING EXCISION WOUND MODEL- AN IN VIVO STUDY

Abstract

Background: Wound healing is a critical consideration in the field of surgery, and the primary goals are to prevent infection and expedite the healing process. Ancient Ayurvedic texts, such as those written by Acharya Sushruta, place significant emphasis on Vraṇa (wound) and its treatment. While many antiseptic agents are used to prevent infections, they often lack the ability to enhance the healing process and can even be harmful as they may have cytotoxic effects. In response to this, an innovative polyherbal formulation known as " Ġaṇa dhūpa "(Ayurvedic formulation fumigation) was developed for the practice of "Sthanika Dhūpana karma "(localized fumigation). The objective of this study aims to investigate the antimicrobial and wound healing effectiveness of Dhūpana karma using an excision wound model in Wistar rats.

Materials and method: Eighteen male Wistar rats were acquired for the study and divided into three groups, each containing six rats, all of which were infected with pre-sub cultured S. aureus bacteria. The test group received Sthānika Dhūpana, the control group was treated with Povidone iodine ointment, and the standard group received normal saline. Various parameters were assessed over a ten-day period and statistical analysis was performed to evaluate differences between the three groups at each time point.

Results: Significant results were observed in various parameters related to wound healing. The percentage of wound contraction rate was notably higher in the test group when compared to the other groups.

Conclusion: Dhūpana karma using Ġaṇa dhūpa is safe as well as effective in anti-microbial and wound healing activity.