Calotropis gigantean Linn

  In traditional medicine Calotropis gigantean Linn is a well-known plant in the traditional medicine of Rajasthan. Asclepiadaceae is used in folk medicine for pain, burns, eczema, skin diseases (Ring worm), Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and wound-healing activities. Based on its traditional use, this plant was selected for evaluation of its wound healing potential. Preliminary wound healing activity was performed on different extracts and based on the findings; Petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and distilled water extract was selected for further studies. The extract of Calotropis gigantean Linn promoted wound-healing activity significantly in all the three wound models studied. Topical application twice a day for 16 days significantly increased the wound contracting ability of the extract ointment (5% and 10%) and it was comparable to the reference standard nitrofurazone ointment in the excision wound model. The tensile strength in healing of incised wounds and dead space wound was found to be significantly higher in the group of animals treated with extract ointments (5% and 10%) and extracts (200mg/kg body weight) respectively. To investigate the effects of Calotropis gigantean Linn on wound healing activity in rats by excision, incision and dead space wound healing models in rats. Key words: Calotropis gigantean Linn, Excision wound model, Tensile strength Incised wounds, Dead space wound.