Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF PHRAGMITES KARKA (RETZ.)TRIN EX STEUD FOR WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY

Anshita Gupta*, Praveen Kumar Jain, Rahim Khan and Ankit Mehra

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Abstract

Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin ex Steud, colloquially known as Karka reed, has long been esteemed in traditional medicine for its potential wound healing properties. This study endeavors to comprehensively evaluate the phytochemical composition and pharmacological activities of Phragmites karka relevant to wound healing. Phytochemical analyses uncovered a rich array of bioactive constituents within Phragmites karka, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides. These compounds are renowned for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and proangiogenic attributes, all of which are pivotal in the wound healing cascade. Results demonstrate that the ointment containing 10 percent w/w extract exhibits superior wound contraction ability from the fourth day onwards, with significant healing observed compared to both the control group and the nitrofurazone ointment-treated group. By the 18th day, the 10 percent w/w extract ointment group achieves complete wound closure, comparable to the nitrofurazone ointment group. Furthermore, the 5 percent w/w extract ointment group demonstrates significant wound contraction, achieving complete closure by the 20th day. This study underscores the promising therapeutic potential of Phragmites karka in the realm of wound management, offering valuable insights into its mechanisms of action and signaling the necessity for further exploration to optimize its clinical applications.

Keywords: Phragmites karka, Wound healing, Ointment, Wound contraction.