ABSTRACT
The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of bark skin of Saraca indica (Ashoka) and Shorea robusta (Shal) were evaluated for their analgesic activity in Swiss albino rats by making use of different pain models such as, tail immersion test, tail clip method and writhing induced by 4% NaCl solution. The aqueous and alcoholic extract of Saraca indica and Shorea robusta showed significant analgesic activity at 300 mg/ Kg body weight in Swiss albino rats as compared with control rats from physical, thermal and chemical stimulus of evaluation techniques. The analgesic activity might have been attributed to the presence of alkaloids, steroids in these plants as revealed from phytochemical analysis. On the basis of these observations it was concluded that Ashoka and Shal has got analgesic property, however further experimental as well as clinical evaluations are necessary.
ABSTRACT
Background: Success of surgery depends on wound closure and healing. Ancients had coated many suture materials from plant and animal origin. As the quest for natural nonabsorbable, monofi lament surgical suture continues, horsehair has been taken for study, which is mentioned in ancient literature. Objectives: Aim of the study was to evaluate detail mechanical and biophysical properties of horsehair. Materials and Methods: Physical properties, that are diameter, straight pull and knot pull tensile strength, bioburden, sterility tests were performed. Visual and histological wound healing parameters were studied in experimental Wistar rat incision wound model. Two experimental wounds about 5 cm long were created on each side of dorsal midline. Each animal received two sutures-Horsehair 4-0 and Ethilon 4-0. The sutured areas were grossly examined on 3rd and 7th days for visual observations like congestion, edema, infection, wound disruption, and impression of suture material on healed wound and then subjected for histological study. Results: Revealed that horsehair has got diameter of 0.19 mm which complies with the 4-0 size USP standard. Straight pull tensile strength was found 0.5851 ± 0.122 kg and knot pull tensile strength was 0.3998 ± 0.078 kg, which complies with the standards of United State Pharmacopia for class II nonabsorbable suture materials. In vivo study revealed that there was no evidence of edema, congestion, and discharge in both the groups. Wounds healed with minimum impressions of suture material with minimum scar mark. Mean histological scoring shows very mild tissue reaction. Conclusion: Horsehair has got properties of standard suture material except low tensile strength and hence can be used in reconstructive, plastic surgeries, and ophthalmic surgeries.