Does Lycoperscon Esculentum (Tomato) Accelerate or Retard Wound Healing in Wistar Rats?

The study aimed at determining the effects of Lycoperscon esculentum on the wound healing processes of wistar rats. Excisional wounds were inflicted on the upper dorsolateral trunk of 20 adult male wistar rats. The wounds were dressed every three days (experimental with methanol extract of Lycoperscon esculentum and control with saline). Wound dimensions along two perpendicular axes were taken prior to dressings for the purpose of estimation of wound contraction rates. Granulation tissues were excised from five animals in each group and scar tissues obtained from the remaining animals. Fibroplasia and angiogenesis were evaluated histologically. Matched wound contraction rates were higher in the experimental group. Duration of healing was shorter in the experimental group (19.80 ± 1.64 vs 28.80 ± 4.55 days). Fibroblast counts of granulation tissue were 35.20 ± 17.53 (experimental) and 24.00 ± 8.00; with respective angiogenesis counts of 12.60 ± 8.32 and 15.60 ± 5.77. Respective values for fibroblast and angiogenesis of the scar tissues in experimental and control groups were 18.40 ± 3.7 vs 20.80 ± 5.21; and 14.20 ± 1.92 vs 13.20 ± 1.64). Histological sections of the granulation and scar tissues revealed abundance of collagen and paucity of macrophages in the experimental group. Lycoperscon esculentum promotes wound healing via bactericidal activity, rapid initiation and acceleration of wound  contraction, increased fibroblast production and collagen synthesis.Key words: Wound healing, Lycoperscon esculentum, Wound contraction, fibroplasia, angiogenesis

A study on some effects of the extracts of unripe paw-paw (Carica papaya linn) on wound healing in Wistar rats ( Rattus novegicus)

Background: Wound healing is the process of repair that follows injury to the skin and soft tissues. Attempt at finding a perfect wound-healing agent has a long history. The emphasis was on finding an agent that is affordable, effective and with minimal side effects. Aim: To confirm some effects of the medicinal properties of the extracts of unripe pawpaw as a wound healing agent and it's reported antimicrobial activities. Methods: Twenty adult male Wistar rats of average weight 150-200 g were used for this study. They were split into two groups: Normal saline (controls) and paw-paw (Carica papaya linn) extract experimental groups. Ethical clearance was obtained from relevant institutions and departments for this study. Each animal was weighed and anaesthetized using combinations of ketamine (0.1ml/kg) and diazepam (0.1ml/kg). Each rat was shaved on the right dorso-lateral aspect of the thoracic wall and wiped with 70% methylated spirit soaked in gauze. A 2 cm by 2 cm square skin area was measured    and    excised,   and   wounds   were dressed with paw-paw extracts in experimental group and normal saline in control group. Results: The results revealed significant wound contraction (