Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activities of the protease isolated from the latex of Plumeria rubra Linn.
Methods: The protease was isolated from the latex of the plant by acetone precipitation method and given a trivial name, Plumerin-R. The anti-inflammatory activity of the protease was based on its effects on carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. Its wound healing effect was investigated using an excision wound rat model.
Results: Four hours after treatment, the reduction in carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema by 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight of plumerin-R was 21.6, 33.8 and 48.8 %, respectively, while oedema reduction by indomethacin (10 mg/kg) was 58.0 %. Plumerin-R showed significant (p<0.05) wound closure and epithelialization time compared with control.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the protease, Plumerin-R, has significant anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
