Effects of Psidium guajava ethanolic leaf extract on epidermal wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) occurrence is increasing. Canine DM is multifactorial and global prevalence is 0.005 to 1.5% affecting both sexes between 4-14 years old. Diabetic foot ulcer is a complication of DM impairing wound healing. Psidium guajava (PG) is a food and medicinal plant containing quercetin (a potent antioxidant) in its leaf and used in locally to manage DM. Effects of ethanolic extract of PG leaves on in vivo animal diabetic models have not been investigated indeptly with little documented information on the effect of PG extract on wound management in diabetics. This study evaluated the beneficial role of PG ethanolic leaf extract (PGELE) in an experimental model of diabetes-related wound healing disorders. Ethanolic extracts were prepared from PG leaves. Thirty male Wistar rats (190-205 g) were separated into 6 groups (n = 5) and treated for 2 weeks. Group I (control), II (streptozotocin 60 mg/kg once), III & IV (streptozotocin 60 mg/kg once, PGELE (125 & 250 mg/kg rat/day) per os), V (streptozotocin 60 mg/kg once, glibenclamide 5 mg/kg b.w) and VI (PGELE 250 mg/kg orally). Plasma glucose was determined by glucometer. 10 x 10 mm wounds were made under anaesthesia. Full blood count was done by microscopy. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α0.05. Glucose concentration was significantly higher in II (583 ± 4.16 mg/dL) compared to others. Wound contraction rates were significantly slower in II (41 ± 0.23 %) compared to others. There was no difference in haematology. PGELE improved wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats.