Antimicrobial and wound healing activities of aphalis neelgerriana DC. and cnicus wallichii DC.

ABSTRACT

Anaphalis neelgerriana DC. and Cnicus wallichii DC. belonging to the family Asteraceae [Compositae] were selected to evaluate antimicrobial and wound healing activity. These two valuable medicinal plants are indigenous to Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, South India. These plants are used by the tribals of Nilgiris in skin infections, cuts, wounds and abscesses. Seven different extracts were obtained from the aerial parts of each plant and screened for in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo wound healing activity studies by excision method. Significant antimicrobial activity was found in aqueous, 50% methanol, and methanolic extracts of both the plants. Ethyl acetate extract of Anaphalis neelgerriana DC. produced significant antimicrobial activity. The extracts were prepared as 0.2% w/w emulsifying ointment and subjected to wound healing activity studies and compared with the standard 0.2% w/w Nitrofurazone ointment. The ethyl acetate extract of Anaphalis neelgerriana DC produced a significant wound healing activity. The animal groups which exhibited wound healing activity were subjected to histopathological studies