INTRODUCTION:

Plants have great significance by the reason of their great nutritive value as well as they continue to be a major source of medicines. Wrightia tinctoria (W. tinctoria family Apocynaceae) or commonly known as Sweet Indrajo, Ivory tree, Ester plant or Pala indigo plant (English). Basically it is a small deciduous tree along with scaly bark as well as height of 1.8 m and girth of about 60 cm found in all over India. It has elliptic lanceolate leaves. It bears white fragrant flowers. Fruit has two distinct pendulous follicles of 22-25 cm length and 6mm width. Seeds of Wrightia tinctoria are of 1-2 cm in addition with long pointed at the apex with a deciduous coma often more than 3-8 cm long at the base.

The genus Wrightia is named after name of Scottish physician and botanist William Wright¹. Locally in India W. tinctora is known by various vernacular names like Kalakuada (Marathi), Meetha indrajo, dhudi/ dudhalo, Kuruchi, Kuda (Hindi), Indrajava, Svetkutaja, Krasnkutaja, Hyamaraka (Sanskrit), Indrajav (Bengali), Banthappala, Kampippaala, Nilappalla, Kota kappala (Malyalum), Vetpala virai, Veppalai (Tamil), Ankuduchettu, Kondajemudu, Amkuda (Telugu). W. Tinctoria has mainly two subspecies first is W. tinctoria ssp. tinctoria which is distributed mainly in western, southern and eastern India. The second is W. tinctoria ssp. rothii. This plant is mainly distributed in Central and Northern India. The whole plant or its individual parts like leaves, bark, seed, and roots have many medicinal properties. In Indian system of medicine, W. tinctoria show presence of flavonoids, glycoflavones-iso-orientin, phenolic acids, steroids, triterpenoids, isoflavones, tannis, saponin and several chemical constituents. Wrightia tinctoria is widely distributed in areas of Asia, Africa as well as Australia. It is a native plant of India, Indogenous regions, Myanmar, Nepal and Vietnam. Plant grows in variety of soil type. Timber of this plant is used in toy making, turnery, carving, matchboxes, small boxes, furniture etc. The plant Wrightia tinctoria is extensively used in Indian traditional system of medicine (Ayurveda) for its numerous medicinal uses. The seeds of plant, Wrightia tinctoria are claimed to be useful for anthelmintic, antidiarrhoeal, antidysenteric, astringent, febrifuge, as well as seminal weakness². The bark of Wrightia tinctoria have antidysenteric properties and especially used in piles, to treat skin diseases as well as biliousness in Ayurvedia treatment². The woody stem of wrightia tinctoria show significant activity against wide range of bacteria as well as fungi. Wrightia tinctoria attains resistant against microorganism³. Various literatures revealed that Wrightia tinctoria is a significant medicinal plant which has diverse pharmacological activity along with huge phytochemical constituents. Wrightia tinctoria shows the presence of lots of phytochemical constituents like steroids, triterpenoids, Saponins, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, alkaloids, polyphenols and these phytochemicals are responsible for the various pharmacological plus medicinal properties like Anti-inflammatory activity, Anti-microbial, Anti-oxidant, Anti-cancer, Anti- diabetic, Anti-psoriatic activity etc³. The fabrication of this review is to deliver wide-ranging information on the Botanical description, Pharmacognostical information, phytochemistry as well as pharmacological information of medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani it has a long history of its use. Along with its medicinal uses the leaves of this plant yield blue coloured dye known as pala indigo. In Indian medicine systems it is used as the curative agent for the jaundice, the juice of the leaves has effect in the treatment of the jaundice hence tree is commonly also known as jaundice curative tree. Juice of the fresh leaves may be used in the toothache and to relive from cavities. In Siddha system of medicine there is evidence of use in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases. In psoriasis emulsion of leaves and pods is used to improve disease condition. Seeds of W. tinctoria are used in the dysentery and diarrhoea and as anti-haemorrhagic. Paste of stem bark and leaf are act as local analgesic in headache when applied to forehead or can be administered orally for systemic relief. Stem bark paste in half cup of water gives relief in the stomach ache. The plant is used in certain ailments like seizures, leukaemia, to remove dandruff, in healing of wounds, gynaecological disorders, eczema, scabies etc. Traditionally it is used to treat breast cancer in certain areas. W. tinctoria have potential to act as aphrodisiac and as antipyretic Methanol and Ethanol extract of leaves has anti-Staphylococcus, and anti-Bacillus species activity. The flowers of Wrightia tinctoria are not only effective against gram positive but also gram negative bacteria. Oil prepared from fresh leaves has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity.

Botanical classification of Wrightia tinctoria^1,4,5,6,7

Kingdom: Plantae, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Asterids

Order: Gentianales

Family: Apocynaceae

Subfamily: Apocynoideae

Genus: Wrightia

Species: Wrightia tinctoria

Vernacular names^8,9

Telugu:	Akupala, Amkudu, Chittankudu, Dodda pala chettu, Jedda pala chettu.
Hindi:	Indrajava, Indrajau.
Sanskrit:	Svetakuja, Madhuindrajava, Hayamoraka.
Marathi:	Gode indrajava.
Tamil:	Erukkalam, Nilambalai, Irumpalai, Veypale.
Kannada:	Veppale, Beppalli, Kodamurki, Kodesige.
Malayalam:	Ayyapala, Dantappala, Kotakappalla.
Urdu:	Indearjao shireen.
English:	Pala Indigo Plant.

Species of Wrightia⁸

· Wrightia angustifolia

· Wrightia annamensia

· Wrightia antidysentrica

· Wrightia arborea

· Wrightia candollei

· Wrightia coccinea

· Wrightia collettii

· Wrightia cunninghamii

· Wrightia demartiniana

· Wrightia dolichocarpa

· Wrightia dubia

· Wrightia flavirosea

· Wrightia hanleyi

· Wrightia indica

· Wrightia karaketii

· Wrightia laevis

· Wrightia lanceolata

· Wrightia lecomtei

· Wrightia natalensis

· Wrightia novobritambica

· Wrightia palawanensis

· Wrightia poomae

· Wrightia puberula

· Wrightia pubenscens

· Wrightia religios

· Wrightia saligna

· Wrightia siamensis

· Wrightia sikkimensis

· Wrightia siritiae

· Wrightia tinctoria

· Wrightia tokiae

· Wrightia viridifolia

Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Properties^1,8,10,11

Extraction of the various parts of the W. tinctoria has shown presence of many phytochemicals. The evaluation of the phytochemicals is done by many modern techniques like HPLC, spectroscopy etc. W. tinctoria contains Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Gum, Coumarins, triterpenes etc. The bark of the plant contains Steroids, Triterpenoids, Saponin, Tannin, Phenols, Flavonoids, Glycosides and Carbohydrates. The leaves mainly contain Triterpenoids, Proteins, Tannin, Saponin, Flavonoids, Carbohydrates, Alkaloids, Flavanones, Carbohydrates, Steroids, Phenols and Sugar^5,12,13. While the stem, seeds and flowers contain Carbohydrate, Glycoside, Tannin, Steroids, Triterpenoids, Alkaloid, Saponin and Flavonoids the further information about morphological data and phytochemistry is given in Table No. 1.

Table No. 1: Morphology and phytochemistry of Wrightia tinctoria

Plant Parts	Morphology	Chemical Constituent	Dosage Forms	Uses
Leaf	About 8 -15 cm, opposite, variable, elliptic lanceolate or oblong lanceolate. Leaves are acute or rounded at the base, acuminate at the apex, petioles 5mm long.	· Lupeol, α- and β- amyrin, Indigotin, · Indirubin, · Tryptanthrin, · Isatin, Rutin, β- · sitosterol, · Triacontanol, Myristic acid, · Palmitoleic acid, · Palmetic acid, · Stearic acid, · Behenic acid, · Arachidic acid.	· Paste · Juice · Oil obtained from paste of leaves	· Skin diseases, · Toothache and swelling of gums, · Jaundice Psoriasis, · Eczema and skin diseases, · Wound healing, · Swelling, · Respiratory ailments, · To obtain dye Pala indigo.
Bark	Pale grey, not particularly rough, with some thin scabby patches and prominent lenticels	· Lupeol, α- and β-amyrin	· Powder · Decoction · Paste	· Wound healing, · Boils, Antipyretic, · Skin diseases, · Anti-diarrhoeal, · Anti-dysenteric, · Stomach disorders, · Tonic, · Anthelmintic.
Flower	White, deliciously fragrant, in extravagant clusters at the ends of twigs; about 3 cm wide with 5 slender, twisty petals; Calyx and corolla with 5 lobes. Anthers are sagitate, ovary bilocular and stigma bifid. The stamens form a prominent cone in the centre, hiding the pistil; delicate, lacy threads radiating from the cone form a corona on top of the petals.	· Hexadecanoic acid, · 15-methyl 2-mercaptopropanoic acid, · Pentadecanoic acid, · 3-methyl-3-butanoic acid, Disilanone.	· Unspecified	· Effective against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria, as vegetable.
Stem	Smooth yellowish brown 10 mm thick producing white latex.	· Lupeol, · Stigmasterol, · Campesterol	· Decoction	· As toothbrush, · Cure stomach disorders, · In psoriasis and other skin diseases, · Wound healing, in leprosy.
Seed	Brown and flat with bunch of white hairs at chalazal end. Seed dispersal is by Wind.	· Lupeol, · Chlorogenic acid, · Dihydrocanaric acid, · Glycerol, · Erythritol, · Thritol, · Dgalactose, · D-mannose, · 14 α-methyl zymosterol, · Desmosterol, · Clerosterol, · 24- methylene-25-methyl cholesterol, · 24- dehydropollinastanol, · 24-methylcholesterol, · 24-methylene cholesterol, · 24-ethyl cholesterol, · 24 ethyl 22 Edehydrocholesterol, · Isofucosterol, · Cholesterol, · Palmetic acid, · Stearic acid, · Behenic acid, · Arachidic acid	· Powder · Juice	· To treat piles, · Anti-dysenteric, · Anti-diarrhoeal, · Analgesic, · Carminative, · Astringent.
Root	Round slender	· Cardiac glycosides, · Saponins, · Pseudotanins and terpenoids	· Decoction	· In leprosy, · Laxative, · Cure stomach disorders, · Antidote for snakebite.

Pharmacological Activities:

1. Anti-ulcer activity^{2,8,10,11,9,14}

Divakar and Devi studied the activity of leaves of W. tinctoria R. Br. (Family Apocynaceae) on albino rat and evaluated antiulcer activity of leaves of W. tinctoria against experimentally induced acute gastric ulcer model in albino rat¹¹. The antiulcer activity of methanol was estimated by comparing with carboxy methyl cellulose, pylorus control, aspirin and standard famotidine, by employing aspirin along with pylorus ligation induced ulcer model and the plant methanolic extract showed significant gastro protective activity. The result of that study suggested that the methanolic extract of leaves of W. tinctoria possess and also shows anti-ulcer effect. The detected effect of that study may be due to the occurrence of bioactive constituents². Likewise the Hydrochloric acid extract of W.tinctoria bark at 1000 mg/ml was found to hold important antiulcer activity which based on evaluating the aspects regarding to gastric juice, acidity level, protein and carbohydrate content present in gastric mucous substances. Bigonia et al. stated antiulcer activity to bark ethanol extract against experimental induced acute gastric ulcer model. The ethanol extract of W. tinctoria bark has an important effect on gastric mucous substances. The results point out that W. tinctoria bark extract protects gastric mucous membrane by enhancing microcirculation, and due to increased capillary resistance¹¹. The biochemical parameters for example volume of gastric juice secretion, pH of gastric juice, free acidity, total acidity, in addition to ulcer index as well as percentage inhibition were studied by Divakar and Devi at the conc. of 200 mg/kg body weight. The outcomes of study of Divakar and Devi proposed that the methanolic extract of W. tinctoria leaves possess anti-ulcer effect¹¹.

2. Anti-microbial activity^{2,3,8,10,11,9,14}

Several diseases caused by microbes are treated through available drugs. They treated the human population through the resistance of microorganisms to the available drugs. Wrightia tinctoria is used for skin ailments in diverse parts of the country. The anti-microbial property against pathogenic bacteria, fungus, virus and protozoans found in terpenoids and flavonoids of W.tinctoria which have been reviewed below:

a. Anti-bacterial activity^8,10,15

Activities against Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Micrococcus sp. and E.coli have been reported. Ranjani et al (2012) showed that Methanol and ethanol extracts of W.tinctoria leaves were found to have strong inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus, Bacillus species. Kyade and vaikos (2011) exhibited that the anti-bacterial action of Wt bark extract at 100 mg/ml was not very broad. Chloroform, acetone and methanol extracts showed moderate actions against S. typhi, B. subtilis, B. megaterium, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and M. luteus. None of the extracts showed activity against K. Planticola. The aqueous and methanol extract of W. tinctoria leaves showed potent anti-bacterial activity in different studies. Ethanol extract of W.tinctoria flower also showed potent activity against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria^8,10.

b. Anti-fungal activity^8,10,14

Activities against Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Micrococcus sp. and E.coli have been reported. Ranjani et al (2012) showed that Methanol and ethanol extracts of W.tinctoria leaves were found to have strong inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus, Bacillus species. Kyade and vaikos (2011) showed that the anti-bacterial activity of Wt bark extract at 100 mg/ml was not very broad. Chloroform, acetone and methanol extracts showed moderate activity against S. typhi, B. subtilis, B. megaterium, E.coli, P.aeruginosa and M.luteus. None of the extracts showed activity against K.Planticola. The aqueous and methanol extract of W.tinctoria leaves showed potent anti-bacterial activity in different studies. Ethanol extract of W.tinctoria flower also showed potent activity against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria^8,10.

c. Anti-viral activity^2,8,10,9,15

Current study was designed to examine the in vitro anti‑fungal activity of certain medicinal plants. The pure compound indirubin isolated from Wrightia tinctoria. The hexane, chloroform, methanol, and ethanol extracts of six different plants were inspected against dermatophytes, non‑dermatophytes, and yeasts. Chloroform extract of Wrightia tinctoria leaf was fractionated by column chromatography, and the major compound was identified by means of spectroscopic techniques. Spore germination test using agar dilution method was used to the study of antifungal activity. By using broth micro dilution method, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. Wrightia tinctoria showed promising activity against dermatophytic and non‑dermatophytic fungi. Leaf chloroform extract showed activity at 0.5mg/ml against Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Aspergillus niger, and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. The major compound, identified as indirubin, exhibited activity against dermatophytes like Epidermophyton floccosum (MIC = 6.25µg/ml); Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans (MIC = 25µg/ml); Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton simii (MIC = 50µg/ml). It was also active against non‑dermatophytes (Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus sp.) within a MIC range of 0.75‑25 µg/ml. The indole compound indirubin from Wrightia tinctoria showed anti‑fungal activity and may be useful in the treatment of dermatophytosis¹⁴.

Wrightia tinctoria was investigated for the preliminary phytochemical analysis and characterization by various instrumental techniques. Indole derivatives like isatin, induribine, tryphanthrine, and fatty acids were recognized. Methanolic extract of leaf parts of Wrightia tinctoria (WT) have been studied against replication of HCV in Huh 5.2 cells. The 50% effective concentration for inhibition of HCV in RNA sub‑genomic replicon replication in huh 5‑2 cells (luciferase assay) by CWT was found to be 15µg/mL. The concentration that reduced the growth of exponentially proliferating Huh 5‑2 cells by 50% was greater than 50µg/ml¹⁴.

3. Anti-psoriatic activity^4,8,10,14

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder of skin that is characterized by skin redness, itching and patchy looks. Traditionally, W.tinctoria is used to treat psoriasis, eczema, scabies etc. and that was clinically proved. Hydro-alcoholic extract of W.tinctoria was found to have antipsoriatic activity. A formulation with trade name RegSor® contains Wrightia tinctoria and Cocus nucifera as main components for the treatment of psoriasis^8,10.

The hydro‑alcoholic extract of Wrightia tinctoria leaves was evaluated for anti‑psoriatic activity by mouse tail test. Anti‑psoriatic activity was performed at a dose 200 mg/kg body weight in mice (25‑30 g). Isoretinoic acid (0.5 mg/kg) was used as the standard. Degree of orthokeratosis, drug activity, and the relative epidermal thicknesses were calculated and statistically analysed. The extract was also evaluated for its antioxidant potential by DPPH, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assays. The extract produced significant (P < 0.01) degree of orthokeratosis compared to control, and the drug activity was found to be 70.18%, which is more potent than the standard (57.43%). The extract showed prominent antioxidant activity in all the assays. The present study concludes that the selected plant has anti‑psoriatic activity and can be used for psoriasis treatment¹⁴.

Mouse tail test is used to evaluate the antipsoriatic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Wrightia tinctoria leaves. Dose of 200 mg/kg body weight in mice (25-30 g), isoretinoic acid (0.5 mg/kg) as standard. Degree of orthokeratosis, drug activity, and the relative epidermal thickness were calculated and it is statistically analyzed. The extract is evaluated with its antioxidant potential by DPPH, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assays. The extract produced significant (p<0.01) degree of orthokeratosis compared to control. Drug activity is found to be 70.18%, is more potent than the standard (57.43%). Thus, the extract shows prominent antioxidant activity in all the assays and the selected plant has antipsoriatic activity and can be used for psoriasis treatment⁴.

4. Anti-inflammatory^{4,8,10,11,9,14}

In 2010, Tharkar et al. first reported the Anti-inflammatory activity in W.tinctoria bark. In his study the aqueous, chloroform in addition methanol extracts were proposed to inhibit the kinin- as well as prostaglandin- like mediators. Result was found to be statistically significant, and as compared to the standard drug, diclofenac, the level of inhibition was less. The petroleum ether plus methanol extracts of the W.tinctoria woody stem at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg produced a significant inhibition on inflammation in the carrageenan- and histamine- induced rat paw oedema which can be attributed to the presence and synergistic action of flavonoids, steroids and triterpenoids. The ethyl acetate as well as aqueous fraction of W.tinctoria leaves showed significant anti-inflammatory activity⁸. One study was reported to investigate the pharmacological profile of hydro-alcoholic extract of Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br. Linn., (family - Apocynaceae) in mice and rats using various models. In that study effects of the extracts were observed in three different dose levels 300, 500 and 1000 mg/kg as extract does not show any sign a of toxicity up to 3000 mg/ dose. Investigations were carried out against thermal, chemical as well as mechanical noxious stimuli to study antinociceptive activity plus on pentobarbitone induce hypnosis. Carrageenan - induced paw edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma model were employed to test anti - inflammatory activity. The parameters taken for diuretic activity were urine volume and renal excretion of Na+, C and K+ ions².

5. Anti-diabetic activity^{2,4,8,10,11,14,15}

The investigation has been carried out to evaluate the effect of the different extracts of the leaves of Wrightia tinctoria on alloxan induced diabetic rats of wistar strain. The experiment was carried out using six groups of albino rats. Chloroform extract showed a significant anti-diabetic activity when compared to the standard drug glibenclamide².

Streptozotocin induced assay in albino Wister rats were used to analyse the anti-diabetic activity of the plant. Chloroform extract of W. tinctoria leaves significantly reduced the blood glucose level at the dose of 200mg/kg and was comparable to the action of known drug, glibenclamide. W. tinctoria exhibited hypoglycaemic activity at 250mg/kg but the mode of action is unknown, Ashok Raj et al. reported that the petroleum ether extract of W.tinctoria leaves exhibited hypocholersterolemic and hypotriglyceridemic effects which is possibly modulated via some unknown extra pancreatic mechanism and they concluded that the petroleum ether leaf extract not only lowered the blood glucose level at 400mg/kg but also modulated the blood lipid abnormalities which is a secondary complication arising out of diabetes thereby lowering the cardiovascular risk, thus may have significant role in combating diabetes mellitus. Wrightia tinctoria bark was also found to possess alpha glycosidase inhibitory activity at 1500µg/ml which can be further investigated for controlling blood glucose level in diabetic patients⁸.

Alloxan induced diabetic rats of wistar strain is taken. Different extracts are prepared using Wrightia tinctoria leaves and its effects evaluated in these rats. Six groups of albino rats are considered for the experiment. Compared to the standard drug glibenclamide, chloroform extract of Wrightia tinctoria shows significant antidiabetic activity⁴.

6. Diuretic activity^2,4,8,10,9

Water and alcoholic extract of leaves of Wrightia tinctoria (Apocynaceae) were subjected to various phytochemical analysis to identify carbohydrates, phytosterols, tannins and lignin. Both the extracts were investigated for diuretic activity. Total urine volume and the concentration of sodium, potassium and chloride ions in the urine those Parameters are taken into account during the experimental work on each rat. The extracts showed a potent diuretic effect with increase in electrolyte concentration in urine, when compared with standard drug (furosemide) in albino rats².

Aqueous and alcohol extracts of W.tinctoria leaves were found to be significantly and comparably active in increasing the urinary water and electrolyte (Na+, Cl-, K+) concentration when compared to standard drug furosemide, in an experiment done according to the CPCSEA guidelines by sathianarayanan et al. In another study also, the hydroalcohol extract of W.tinctoria bark was found to increase Na+ and Cl- ions, thus strongly kaliuretic. Therefore, W. tinctoria can be further explored for its diuretic potential for management of hypertension, kidney disorders, and heart problems etc⁸.

Experimental study reported the diuretic activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Wrightia tinctoria. Water and alcoholic extract of leaves of Wrightia tinctoria (apocyanaceae) were subjected to various phytochemical analyses to identify carbohydrates, phytosterols, tannins and lignin. Both the extracts were investigated for diuretic activity. Total urine volume and the concentration of sodium, potassium and chloride ions in the urine those parameters are taken into Account during the experimental work on each rat. The extracts showed a potent diuretic effect with increase in electrolyte concentration in urine, when compared with standard drug (furosemide) in albino rats⁹.

Carbohydrates, phytosterols, tannins and lignins are identified by various phytochemical analysis of water and alcoholic extract of leaves of Wrightia tinctoria. Diuretic activity is determined in both of the extract. To do the experimental work on each rat, parameters such as total urine volume and the concentration of potassium, sodium and chloride ions are considered. Compared with the standard drug (furosemide) activity in albino rats, the leaf extract showed a potent diuretic activity with increase in electrolyte concentration in urine⁴.

7. Wound healing activity^{2,4,8,11,9,14,15}

Wound healing activity was evaluated by 70% ethanolic and methanolic extracts of leaves of Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br (Apocynaceae) by incision and excision wound models on Wistar rats. Wound contraction and period of epithelization where assessed in excision wound model and wound tensile strength was determined in case of incision wound model. 4% Wrightia tinctoria methanolic leaf extract phytosome showed significant wound healing potential when compared with standard 0.2% nitrofurazone ointment. Likewise, the ethanol extract of bark of Wrightia tinctoria was found to have significant wound healing activity².

The petroleum ether and methanol extract showed significant wound healing properties, which probably were due to increase in the collagen and fibrin content as determined by the tensile strength of the resutured wound. This may be due to the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity exerted due to the presence of terpenoids, steroids and flavonoids in the plant extract. Traditionally, the latex from W.tinctoria is used to stop bleeding⁸. For their antipyretic and wound healing potential in albino rats the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the stem bark of W. tinctoria were investigated by using excision model. Wound healing activity was assessed by the percentage of wound contraction and the period of epithelisation; there was wound contraction activity by using extracts from the 14th day of topical application. Further, yeast induced pyrexia model was used for evaluation of antipyretic activity in albino rats and fall in body temperature of febrile rats was taken as an indication of antipyretic action. The drug extracts had significant antipyretic activity. Jain and Bari reported the potential effect of petroleum ether and methanolic extracts of bark in wound healing in Westar albino rats. The wound healing parameters were evaluated by using incision wounds in extract treated rats, standard and controls. Both 5% and 10% doses of petroleum ether and methanol extract significantly increased wound breaking strength when compared with the control group and the ethanol extract indicated, wound healing effect in the rats. The observed significant wound healing activity was attributed to the presence of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and saponins. The enhanced wound healing may thus be due to the free-radical scavenging action of the plant, enhanced level of antioxidant enzymes in the tissues, antimicrobial potential which control microbial colonization and subsequent proliferation¹¹.

The ethanol extract of Wrightia tinctoria bark shows wound healing in rats. In this study Methanol extract of Wrightia tinctoria was studied for its wound healing activity in the form of an ointment in two types of wound model in rats: (i) the excision wound model and (ii) the incision wound model. Experimental study stated the wound healing activity of herbal ointment containing wrightia tinctoria leaf extract. The herbal ointment having wrightia tinctoria leaf extract showed potent wound healing activity on guinea pig model with incision and excision wound⁹.

In recent years, oxidative stress and free radicals have been implicated in impaired wound healing. Wrightia tinctoria R.Br, Apocynaceae plants, broadly used in Ayurveda, holds anti‑inflammatory and anti‑microbial properties. The current study was undertaken to assess the potential of petroleum ether and methanolic extracts in wound healing in Wistar albino rats. The rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. Group 1 is normal wounded control, group 2 received standard drug, and the other 4 groups were treated with two different doses each of petroleum ether and methanolic extract of W. tinctoria. The wound healing parameters were evaluated by using incision wounds in extract‑treated rats, standard, and controls. Both the doses of petroleum ether and methanolic extract significantly increased wound breaking strength when compared with the control group¹⁴.

Evaluate the wound healing activity of Wrightia tinctoria leaves using the 70% of ethanolic and methanolic extracts. Wistar rats are used for incision and excision models. In incision wound models, wound tensile strength is determined. In excision wound models, period of epithelization and wound contraction are noted. Compared with the standard 0.2% nitrofurazone ointment, 4% Wrightia tinctoria methanolic leaf extract phytosome exhibited significant wound healing activity. The significant wound healing potential was also determined in the ethanolic extract of bark of Wrightia tinctoria⁴.

The ethanolic extract of Wrigtia tinctoria exhibited significant wound healing activity. In the Ayurvedic literature it was mentioned that decoction and poultices which has been prepared from the bark were used for cleaning wounds. Triterpenoids possess an ability to increase the collagen content, which is one of the factors of promoting wound healing activity⁵.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Received on 24.04.2021 Modified on 10.08.2021

Asian J. Res. Pharm. Sci. 2021; 11(4):301-308.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-5659.2021.00047