PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF THE WOUND-HEALING ACTIVITY OF NOVINA ENNE, A POLYHERBAL OIL, USING INCISION AND EXCISION WOUND MODELS IN WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex biological process, and polyherbal oils are traditionally used for wound management. This study evaluated the wound-healing activity of Novina Enne, a traditional Ayurvedic polyherbal oil, in incision and excision wound models in Wistar rats. Animals were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): Control, Standard (Aloe vera gel), Test I (gingelly oil), and Test II (Novina Enne). Wound-breaking strength was assessed in the incision model, while wound contraction and epithelialization period were evaluated in the excision model. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Novina Enne group showed significantly greater wound-breaking strength than the control, standard, and gingelly oil (Test I) groups (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Wound contraction was also significantly greater in the Novina Enne group (Test II) than in the comparator groups on days 4 and 16. All treatment groups showed significantly shorter epithelialization periods than the control group (p < 0.0001), with no significant differences among the treatment groups. These preliminary findings suggest that Novina Enne has wound-healing potential in experimental rat models. Further studies are needed to establish its mechanisms of action, active constituents, and safety.