Analytical Evaluation of the Healing Properties of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract as a Topical Wound Dressing in Goats in Kogi State

Moringa oleifera is a widely available medicinal plant in sub-Saharan Africa with documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, yet its wound healing efficacy in veterinary species remains analytically undercharacterized. This study analytically evaluates the wound healing properties of Moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract as a topical wound dressing compared to petroleum jelly and 1% povidone-iodine controls in an experimental excisional wound model in goats in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. Twenty-four adult West African Dwarf goats were assigned to three treatment groups and standardized full-thickness excisional wounds were created on the lateral thorax. Wound healing was assessed by planimetric wound contraction measurement, histopathological evaluation of granulation tissue at days 7 and 14, microbiological culture, and time to complete epithelialization. Moringa oleifera-treated wounds demonstrated significantly faster contraction rates at day 7 compared to petroleum jelly controls, with mean contraction of 54% versus 37%. Histopathological evaluation confirmed superior fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition in extract-treated wounds at day 14. Bacterial colony counts were significantly lower in Moringa-treated wounds relative to untreated controls. Time to complete epithelialization was 21 days in the extract group versus 27 days in the petroleum jelly group. These analytical findings provide empirical support for the development of Moringa oleifera-based topical wound preparations for use in veterinary practice in resource-limited settings across North Central Nigeria. Keywords: Moringa oleifera, wound healing, topical extract, goat model, Kogi State.