The Effectiveness of Justicia Carnea Leaf Extract on Wound Healing

Wounds are among the most common health concerns encountered in both medical facilities and everyday environments and their treatment continues to place a considerable financial strain on global healthcare systems. In recent years, the expenses associated with wound care have risen sharply, largely due to extended healing durations, recurrent infections, the necessity for advanced dressings and therapeutic procedures. These ongoing challenges have sparked growing interest in identifying cost effective and efficient alternatives, particularly those derived from medicinal plants with traditional healing significance. One 0f such plant is Justicia carnea popularly known as “Hospital Too Far,” which has long been used in various African cultures to treat conditions such as wounds, anemia and inflammation. This study investigated the wound healing efficacy of Justicia carnea leaf extract in comparison with povidone iodine, a widely accepted conventional treatment. Eighteen (18) Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, a group treated with povidone iodine and another treated with Justicia carnea extract. Using standard excision wound models, the rate of wound contraction was monitored over a set period. The results showed that rats receiving Justicia carnea extract experienced significantly faster wound closure than both the povidone iodine group and the untreated control, with statistical significance indicated by a P-value of less than 0.05. These findings offer scientific validation for the wound healing potential of Justicia carnea, likely attributed to its rich phytochemical profile, including compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. As such, the plant presents a promising, low-cost option or complementary therapy for wound care management.