Wound healing potential of Ocimum sanctum Linn. with induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Ocimum sanctum, a well known herb in Indian medicine, possesses various therapeutic properties including healing properties and cytokine induction. Wound healing activity of cold aqueous extract of O. sanctum leaves along with its effect on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was assessed using excision model of wound repair in Wistar albino rats. After application of the O. sanctum extract, rate of epithelization with an increase in wound contraction was observed. In animals, treated with 10% O. sanctum extract in petroleum jelly, wound healing was faster as compared to control group which were treated with petroleum jelly alone but significant accelerated healing was noticed in animals which in addition to the topical application of 10% extract of O. sanctum, were prefed with 250 mg/kg body weight of aqueous O. sanctum extract daily for 20 consecutive days. During wound healing phase TNF-alpha level was found to be up regulated by O. sanctum treatment. Early wound healing may be pronounced due to O. sanctum extract, by elevating TNF-alpha production.