Investigations on the antimicrobial and wound healing activity of Ficus thonningii Blume extracts

We investigated antimicrobial properties of Ficus thonningii leaf extract on a cutaneous wound, using different concentrations of F. thonningii extract in an ointment base. The plant was obtained with identification number FRIN 110160. Cold maceration method of extraction was used and the extract was screened for the presence of secondary metabolites using qualitative methods. In vitro antibacterial property of the extract was carried out against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Healthy, male Wistar albino rats (100–150 kg) were used for the in vivo experiment, and randomized into 7.5% extract + ointment, 5.0% extract + ointment, gentamicin-alone, and ointment base–alone treatment groups. The ointments were applied topically on days 0, 7, and 14, while percentage wound closure rate and histopathology of the healed wound area were done following standard procedures. Alkaloids, phlobatannins, steroids, resins, reducing sugar, and saponins were secondary metabolites detected. The in vitro screening showed that ethyl acetate extract was effective against the bacteria. In conclusion, 7.5% ointment preparation of ethyl acetate F. thonningii leaf extract could be considered as a potent herbal drug for treating wound infections.