Antihypertrophic Scar Effect of Iraqi Plantago major Extracts

Abstract

Background: Plantago major, historically renowned for its medicinal attributes across diverse cultures, has recently been under the research spotlight for its antihypertrophic scar effects. Aim: To investigate the efficacy of Plantago major extracts in the treatment of hypertrophic scars, particularly comparing the effects of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts. Methodology: Samples of the plant, procured from Baghdad's Al-Salihiya Neighbourhood in November 2021, underwent authentication at the Iraqi local Herbarium in the Al-Razi centre for alternative medicine. Using the Soxhlet apparatus, the dried plant material was extracted with methanol and subsequently partitioned with ethyl acetate. Both the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were later formulated into ointments. Results: The ointments were tested on hypertrophic scars induced in rats. Three groups of 12 rats each were used—ethyl acetate, methanol, and a control group using only Vaseline. Both extracts demonstrated efficacy in reducing scars, with the methanol extract showing more pronounced results. Conclusion: The methanol extract displayed superior outcomes, potentially attributable to its richer phytochemical content compared to the ethyl acetate extract.

Keywords

• antihypertrophic scar
• ethyl acetate extract
• hypertrophic scars
• methanol extract
• ointments
• phytochemical content