Optimum Dose of Sea Cucumber (Stichopus Chloronotus) Extract for Wound Healing

In Malaysia, sea cucumber is also known as Gamat. Among the Malays, Gamat is frequently used as a traditional or folk medicine to relieve pain, to treat wounds and burns. It is also used as a tonic to provide extra energy. Stichopus chloronotus is one of the species of sea cucumber which is found in Malaysia. An experimental study was carried out to determine the optimum dose of aqueous extract of Stichopus chloronotus  on  the  healing  of  wounds  in  rat  model.  A  series  of  concentrations 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% aqueous extract emulsifying ointment mixed with Stichopus chloronotus  was  applied  once  a  day  for  10  days  on  the  excision  wound  model. Changes in the wound area were measured using a caliper and photographs were taken on day 1, 3, 6, 8 and 10 after the wound creation.  The wound reduction rate  and  macroscopic  observation  were  evaluated  to  determine  the  optimum dose  concentration.  Results  demonstrated  that  percentage  of  wound  reduction and  macroscopic  observation  of  0.5%  aqueous  extract Stichopus  chloronotus emulsifying ointment mixed group was significantly higher than the other groups from  day  6  following  wound  creation.  In  conclusion,  0.5%  aqueous  extract  of Stichopus  chloronotus emulsifying  ointment  mixture  demonstrated  the  best  dose for wound healing in a rat model.