Wound healing activity of alcoholic extract of Kaempferia galanga in Wistar rats.

The wound healing effect of alcoholic extract of Kaempferia galanga (K. galanga) and its effect in dexamethasone suppressed wound healing was studied in Wistar rats. Three wound models viz. incision, excision and dead space wounds were used in this study. The parameters studied were breaking strength in case of incision wounds, epithelialization and wound contraction in case of excision wound and granulation tissue dry weight, breaking strength and hydroxyproline content in case of dead space wound. The dexamethasone treated group showed a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the wound breaking strength when compared to control group in incision type of wound model. Coadministration of K. galanga with dexamethasone had significantly (P < 0.001) increased the breaking strength of dexamethasone treated group. In excision wound model, the percentage of the wound contraction was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by K. galanga only on 16th day and also it reversed the dexamethasone suppressed wound contraction on the 16 day. K. galanga significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the time required for epithelialization and reversed the epithelialization delaying effect of dexamethasone significantly (P < 0.001).

Toxicological profile of aureofungin: a potent plant antifungal antibiotic.

Aureofungin is a heptaene type of antifungal antibiotic used for controlling plant fungal infections and diseases, during pre and post harvesting period of various crops. Acute and subacute oral toxicity of aureofungin in rats was studied along with haematological, urine analysis and other biochemical parameters related to liver and kidney organ functions. The results of these studies indicate mild toxic symptoms at higher doses which were reversible following its withdrawal.