This study investigated the wound healing properties of a herbal ointment containing extracts of Jatropha curcas leaf. Rats were inflicted with excision wounds and treated topically with ointments containing different concentrations of J. curcas extract. Wound closure was assessed by wound area measurements. Ointments containing J. curcas extracts significantly accelerated wound healing in a dose-dependent manner compared to controls. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and glycosides in J. curcas extracts which may contribute to wound healing properties. The results suggest J. curcas extracts have potential for use in commercial wound healing ointments.