Abstract

Skin is considered to be the most prone organ to injury and infection compared to other body organs. Skin infections are most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The most commonly used synthetic drugs to overcome skin problems is Povidone-iodine. Considering the Indonesian traditional method, injuries could be cured by dripping Tekelan leaves (Chromolaena odorata) infusion on the wounded skin area. This study aimed to compare the treatment effects of Tekelan leaves (Chromolaena odorata) infusion and povidone-iodine in the wound healing process of mice skin. The subjects of this study were 25 mice (Mus musculus) which were incised and infected with Staphylococcus aureus in 5 groups, namely, P0 (without treatment), P1 (povidone-iodine 10%), P2 (Tekelan infusion 5%), P3 (Tekelan infusion 10%), and P4 (Tekelan infusion 20%). Observations were made microscopically on wound conditions based on a total assessment of the four observed parameters (epithelization, inflammation rate, connective tissue proliferation, and angiogenesis). The results showed that the total observation value in the P0 and P2 groups was lower than the other groups. The P1 group obtained the highest score. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference among the treatment groups (p < 0.05). While the Mann Whitney test indicated P1 had a significant difference with P0, P2, and P3, it had no significant difference with P4. It can be concluded that the Tekelan Leaves (Chromolaena odorata) infusion can be used as an alternative of povidone-iodine with an optimal concentration of 20%.