Wound healing properties of Indian propolis studied on excision wound-induced rats

Context: In traditional medicine propolis is widely used for the treatment of various ailments including ulcer and wound healing. The phytochemical screening of Indian propolis indicates the presence of biologically active ingredients in appreciable amounts. In the absence of systematic evaluation of wound healing properties of Indian propolis in the literature, the present study was undertaken.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the wound healing potential of Indian propolis on excision wounds induced in experimental rats.

Materials and methods: Excision wounds were created in male Wistar rats and were treated with Indian propolis ointment (nitrofurazone was used as a reference drug - widely used for wound healing) for a period of 14 days. Control rats were treated with petroleum jelly. The parameters analyzed include wound contraction, hydroxyproline, hexosamine, uronic acid, total protein, DNA, and RNA.

Results: Topical application of propolis ointment for 14 days significantly improved the wound contraction when compared to the control group of rats. The determination of hydroxyproline, hexosamine, uronic acid, DNA, RNA and protein levels in the wound matrix revealed the pro-healing effects of propolis. The results obtained were comparable with nitrofurazone.

Discussion and conclusion: It appears that the ethanol extract of Indian propolis possesses significant pro-healing activity by accelerating the healing process at various phases of tissue repair. The presence of biologically active ingredients such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, benzoic acids, amino acids and vitamins, etc. in Indian propolis may readily account for the observed prophylactic action of propolis in wound healing.     

Ethanol extract of Cotinus coggygria leaves accelerates wound healing process in diabetic rats

Context: Cotinus coggygria Scop. (Anacardiaceae) leaves that were used as wound healing in traditional Balkan and Anatolian folk medicine, could be potentially effective in treating diabetic wounds.

Objective: This study investigates biochemical and histological effects of ethanol extract of C. coggygria (CCE) on excision wound model in diabetic rats.

Materials and methods: This study was conducted on diabetic Wistar albino rats, which were injected by a single dose (50?mg/kg i.p.) streptozotocin. Afterward an excision wound model was created in all animals; diabetic control rats were applied topically simple ointment and diabetic treatment rats were applied topically 5% (w/w) ointment with CC, once a day during the experimental period. Malondialdehyde, glutathione and hydroxyproline levels in wound tissues were investigated at the end of 3rd, 7th, and 14th days. Histopathological examination was also performed.

Results: Hydroxyproline content was significantly increased in the CCE treated group versus control after the 3rd and 7th days (15.33 versus 11.83; 19.67 versus 15.67?mg/g, p?<?0.05; respectively). A statistically significant elevation in glutathione at the end of 3rd, 7th, and 14th days (5.13 versus 1.58, p?<?0.05; 4.72 versus 1.88, p?<?0.05; 3.83 versus 1.88?μmol/g, p?<?0.05, respectively) and a statistically significant decrease in malondialdehyde level at the end of 7th day (4.49 versus 1.48?nmol/g, p?<?0.05) were determined in the treated group versus control group. These results were also supported by histological analyses.

Discussion and conclusion: These findings indicate that CCE accelerated the cutaneous wound healing process in diabetic wounds, in confirmation of its traditional use.     

The evaluation of topical administration of Bellis perennis fraction on circular excision wound healing in Wistar albino rats

Context: Bellis perennis L. (Asteraceae) has been used traditionally in the treatment of bruises, broken bones, and wounds by European people.

Objective: To investigate the wound healing activity of B. perennis flowers in Wistar albino rats.

Materials and methods: Dried B. perennis flowers were extracted with ethanol, then fractioned with n-butanol and an oinment was prepared. Twelve male adult Wistar rats were used. Six wounds were created for each animal by using circular excision wound model. The first two wounds were treated topically with HOTBp (hydrophilic ointment treatment containing n-butanol fraction). The second two wounds were control group and not treated with anything. The third two wounds were treated only with HOT (hydrophilic ointment treatment without n-butanol fraction). Treatments were applied once a day and lasted for 30 days. Wound samples were excised on days 5^th, 10^th and 30^th. The percentage of wound healing was calculated by Walker’s formula after measurement of the wound area and the tissue samples were examined histopathologically.

Results: The percentages of wound closure (HOTBp: 100%; HOT: 85% and control: 87%) and histopathological observations showed that there were statistically significant differences between HOTBp, HOT and control groups (p?<?0.05) at 30^th day.

Discussion and conclusion: Topically administered ointment prepared from the n-butanol fraction of B. perennis flowers has a wound healing potential without scar formation in circular excision wound model in rats. Thus, traditional usage of wound healing activity of B. perennis was scientifically verified for the first time.     

生肌玉红膏对深Ⅱ度烧伤大鼠创面修复的影响

目的 从组织病理学方面动态观察生肌玉红膏对深Ⅱ度烧伤大鼠创面修复的影响,初步探讨生肌玉红膏促进皮肤烧伤创面愈合的作用及可能机理。方法 将深Ⅱ度烧伤大鼠模型按体质量随机分为模型组、生肌玉红膏组和湿润烧伤膏组,每组24只。烧伤创面涂以相应药物,每天1次,连续给药直至创面愈合。观察各组动物创面愈合时间、创面愈合率,并于烧伤后第7,14,21天对各组动物创面组织进行取材,分别进行HE常规染色、Masson皮肤胶原染色。光镜下观察各组创面组织形态学变化,成纤维细胞形态及数量变化,并对创面中成纤维细胞进行计数,用图像分析软件分析各组创面胶原纤维面积。结果 与模型组相比,生肌玉红膏组创面愈合时间缩短,创面愈合率提高（P〈0.05）;烧伤后第7,14天,生肌玉红膏组创面成纤维细胞数量多于模型组（P〈0.05）;烧伤后第14,21天,生肌玉红膏组创面中心胶原纤维面积大于模型组（P＜0.05）。结论 生肌玉红膏可促进深Ⅱ度烧伤大鼠创面愈合,可能与其促进创面成纤维细胞增生和胶原纤维分泌有关。     

Wound healing activity of Withania coagulans in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Context: Withania coagulans Dunal. (Solanaceae) has been shown to possess hypoglycemic, free radical scavenging and wound healing activity. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to study the effect of Withania coagulans in diabetic wound healing.

Objective: This study included determination of rate of wound contraction and estimation of various biochemical parameters such as collagen, hexosamine, total protein, total DNA, SOD and CAT levels in the granulation tissues.

Materials and methods: The hydroalcoholic fraction of the methanolic extract (standardized by withaferin-A using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) )of Withania coagulans in the form of 10% w/w ointment topically and at a dose of 500?mg/kg per oral (p.o.) was administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The results obtained were compared with diabetic control and Aloe barbadensis Miller (syn. Aloe vera L.) (Liliaceae) was used as a reference drug.

Results: The amount of withaferin-A present in the methanolic extract was 3.67?mg/g of the extract. The hydroalcoholic fraction in both the forms, i.e., topical (10% w/w ointment) and oral (500?mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant increase in the rate of wound contraction (83.02% topical and 65.14% oral) topical and 93.18% oral) when compared to diabetic control (66which was further justified with significant increase in the levels of collagen, protein, DNA, SOD, CAT, and decreased level of hexosamine.

Discussion and conclusion: The hydroalcoholic fraction of Withania coagulans in oral form is found to be more effective than the topical form. However, further studies are in progress to find the lead molecules responsible for the wound healing effect.     

Pharmaceutical application of frog skin on full-thickness skin wound healing in mice

Abstract

Context: It has been proved that fresh frog skin is efficient in the wound healing process.

Objective: The purpose of study is to introduce a formulation of frog skin powder for evaluation of wound repair where fresh frog skin is not available.

Materials and methods: Rana ridibunda (Ranidae) skins were lyophilized, and a powder was prepared. The powder (0.0005?g) was then mixed with ointment (0.0065?g) for treating each wound. Formulation was used on full-thickness wounds on mice (FO group) and compared to positive and negative controls. In order to study the wound healing process, wound contraction, inflammation, number of fibroblast cells, neovascularization and collagen density were evaluated on days 2, 4 and 6 following the injury. Moreover, CFU measurement was performed for the evaluation of wound contamination.

Results: Acceleration in wound contraction in the FO group compared to control groups was significant (p?<?0.001) on days 4 and 6. Results showed that FO treatment considerably decreased inflammatory cells during the study. On day 4, FO treatment was significantly effective in increasing the number of fibroblast cells and collagen density (p?<?0.01 and p?<?0.05, respectively). On day 6 the number of fibroblast cells (p?<?0.001), collagen density (p?<?0.05) and neovascularization (p?<?0.05), were higher in the FO group than the control groups. Results of CFU measurement demonstrated significant reduction of wound contamination in FO treated wounds on days 2 (p?<?0.05) and 4 (p?<?0.01).

Discussion and conclusion: Our findings indicated that the pharmaceutical form of frog skin used in this study has considerable healing and antibacterial effects on wounds.     

Improvement in Wound Healing by Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Ointment. I. Effect of Nafamostat,Gabexate, or Gelatin on Stabilization and Efficacy of EGF

The healing effect of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) on open wounds was studied in rats. No improvement in wound healing was found by topical application of EGF alone to open wound sites. We found an ointment containing EGF and a protease inhibitor, nafamostat mesilate or gabexate mesilate, or gelatin accelerated the healing rate of open wounds. Significant increases in the dry weight of the wound site granulation tissue, uronic acid (as an index of acid mucopolysaccharide) and hydroxyproline (as an index of collagen) were observed by treatment with EGF ointment containing nafamostat compared with the controls. The effects of the protease inhibitor on wound healing were dose dependent. Nafamostat was more efficient than gabexate or gelatin on wound healing. The degradation of ¹²⁵I-EGF in wound tissue homogenate was significantly decreased in the presence of a protease inhibitor, such as nafamostat or gabexate, or gelatin. These findings indicate that the stabilization of EGF at the wound site is an important factor in permitting the expression of its healing effects and suggest that the ointment containing EGF and a stabilizing agent would be a suitable dosage form for acceleration of wound repair.     

冰黄凝胶烫伤膏对大鼠深Ⅱ度烫伤创面愈合的实验研究

目的：观察冰黄凝胶烫伤膏对大鼠深Ⅱ度烫伤创面愈合影响。方法：采用大鼠深Ⅱ度烫伤模型,实验组创面外用冰黄凝胶烫伤膏,通过伤后不同时间点创面取材,检测创面组织新生毛细血管数目,创面组织含水量,创面愈合率及组织病理学变化,以湿润烫伤膏做阳性对照,基质乳膏做阴性对照。结果：烫伤创面外用冰黄凝胶烫伤膏后创面新生毛细血管数目和创面愈合率均高于烫伤对照组,而创面组织含水量低于烫伤对照组。结论：冰黄凝胶烫伤膏可减轻烫伤创面早期水肿,促进烫伤创面愈合。并且对于创面修复过程肉芽组织中新生毛细血管数量与形态具有良好的调节作用。     

Dermal wound healing potency of single alkaloid (betaine) versus standardized crude alkaloid enriched-ointment of Evolvulus alsinoides

Context: Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. (Convolvulaceae), well known as shankhpushpi in Ayurvedic text, is traditionally used for several healing purposes.

Objective: A comparative evaluation of dermal wound healing potential of acidic and basic alkaloid enriched-ointment (AAO and BAO) of aerial parts of E. alsinoides versus pure alkaloid, betaine (BEO), was undertaken.

Material and methods: The effect of topical application (50?mg/animal/day) of AAO-1%, AAO-2%, BAO-1%, BAO-2%, BEO-0.5% and BEO-1% was assessed through excision (14 days) and incision (10 days) models on rats. The percentage wound contraction, total protein content, and breaking strengths were determined followed by histopathological studies.

Results and discussion: The total alkaloid in acidic and basic alkaloid enriched fractions was found to be 0.1114 and 0.1134?μg/mL, respectively. Thus, 0.1528, 0.3056, 0.1380 and 0.2459?μg of total alkaloid were estimated to be present in AAO-1%, AAO-2%, BAO-1% and BAO-2%, respectively. AAO and BAO promoted wound healing activity significantly in both the models. Higher rate of wound contraction (p?<?0.001) with significant increase in protein content in the treatment groups (from 2.32 to 2.55) demonstrated stimulation of cellular proliferation and epithelization, which was further supported by histopathological reports. High skin breaking strength (mean value 393 in control was increased to the range of 535–572 in treated groups) proved a significant (p?<?0.001) wound healing potential of E. alsinoides. Early dermal and epidermal regeneration in drug-treated groups also confirmed the positive effect.

Conclusion: Observation of higher healing power of alkaloid enriched-ointment compared with single alkaloid ointment corroborated the synergy mechanism.     

刘氏烫伤膏对深Ⅱ度烫伤新西兰兔创面治疗作用的研究

目的研究刘氏烫伤膏对深Ⅱ度烫伤新西兰兔创面治疗作用。方法将新西兰兔麻醉后,采用恒温水浴法复制深Ⅱ度烫伤模型;每只动物采用自身对照法,各有5 个烫伤部位,分别给予生理盐水、5% 磺胺嘧啶锌软膏、刘氏烫伤膏低、中、高剂量;采用透明硫酸纸法比较各组动物烫伤创面愈合率;比较5 个部位创面完全愈合时间;取创缘组织制作病理切片,苏木精-伊红染色,按照组织学标准定量评价,比较各组创面愈合情况。结果在给药后第4,7,10,14,21 和28 天,与阴性对照组比较,阳性对照组、刘氏烫伤膏各剂量组创面愈合率明显提高（P 〈0. 01）;创面完全愈合时间缩短（P 〈 0. 05）;第7 和21 天各组病理组织切片评分之间无显著性差别（P 〉0.05）,但第14 天各组组织病理切片表皮结构、胶原束和皮肤结构、表皮再生、粒细胞浸润评分有显著性差别（P 〈0. 05）,阴性对照组评分低于阳性对照组、刘氏烫伤膏各剂量组。结论刘氏烫伤膏可明显提高深Ⅱ度烫伤新西兰兔创面愈合率,缩短创面愈合时间,加速创面愈合。     

四妙君逸软膏换药用于促进肛肠病术后创面愈合的研究

目的:探讨四妙君逸软膏促进创面愈合的作用及机制。方法:将60只大鼠随机分成空白基质组、重组人表皮生长因子组、龙珠软膏组及四妙君逸软膏高、中、低剂量组,每组10只,制备大鼠创伤模型。治疗从造模后d 1开始至创面完全愈合,观察术后各组大鼠创面的愈合情况,于术后d 3,d 7和d 14记录创面愈合率,在d 7和d 14取材。采用考马斯亮兰法检测大鼠肉芽组织中蛋白含量、免疫组化ABC法检测表皮生长因子受体(EGFR),最后观察创面愈合时间。结果:四妙君逸软膏能缩短创面愈合时间,提高创面愈合率及创面肉芽组织中蛋白含量和EGFR。结论:四妙君逸软膏能促进创面愈合,其机制之一是通过提高EGFR以及蛋白含量来促进创面愈合。     

Topical hyaluronan alone promotes corneal epithelial cell migration whereas combination with benzalkonium chloride impairs epithelial wound healing

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of topical hyaluronan (HA) on corneal epithelial wound healing when administered with or without benzalkonium chloride (BAC).

Methods: A cultured human corneal epithelial cell line (HCE-T) was subjected to in vitro scratch assays and in situ epithelial migration was evaluated in organ-cultured rabbit corneas. The corneal epithelium of C57BL/6J mice was also evaluated to determine in vivo wound healing. An in vivo imaging system was also used to evaluate the effects of HA on eye drop retention on the ocular surface.

Results: The findings revealed the promotion of HCE-T migration, in situ rabbit corneal epithelial migration, and in vivo wound healing in mouse corneal epithelium by HA. Pre-treatment with HA also protected against delayed epithelial wound healing in BAC in vitro. However, pre-treatment with 3?mg/mL HA did not show a protective effect against BAC in vivo, but instead delayed epithelial wound healing and increased detection of cleaved caspase-3. This suggested that HA promotes the retention of BAC on the ocular surface. The instilled HA was retained after 15?min, at a significantly higher rate than for phosphate-buffered saline.

Conclusions: The combination of HA and BAC impaired wound healing in the corneal epithelium.     

The effect of chrysin‐loaded nanofiber on wound healing process in male rat

Wound healing is an inflammatory process. Chrysin, a natural flavonoid found in honey, has been recently investigated to have anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this work, the effects of chrysin‐loaded nanofiber on the expressions of genes that are related to wound healing process such as P53, TIMPs, MMPs, iNOS, and IL‐6 in an animal model study were evaluated. The electrospinning method was used for preparation the different concentrations of chrysin‐loaded PCL‐PEG nanofiber (5%, 10%, and 20% [w/w]) and characterized by FTIR and SEM. The wound healing effects of chrysin‐loaded PCL‐PEG nanofiber were in vivo investigated in rats, and the expressions of genes related to wound healing process were evaluated by real‐time PCR. The study results showed chrysin‐loaded PLC‐PEG compared to chrysin ointment and control groups significantly increase IL‐6, MMP‐2, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 (p < .05). On the other hand, nanofibers containing chrysin significantly decreased p53 and iNOS expression compared to chrysin ointment and control groups (p < .05). According to the results, chrysin‐loaded PCL‐PEG‐PCL nanofibers have positive effects on the expression of the genes that have pivotal role in wound healing.     

Collagen‐based wound dressing for doxycycline delivery: in‐vivo evaluation in an infected excisional wound model in rats

Objectives A novel collagen‐based dressing consisting of 2,3‐dihydroxybenzoic‐acid‐modified gelatin microspheres loaded with doxycycline has previously been reported to address both infection and matrix degradation. In the present study the potential benefits of the dressing were investigated in an excisional wound model in rats challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods A full‐thick excisional wound (1.5 times 1.5 cm) was created on the dorsum of the rats and infection induced by injecting 10⁵ colony‐forming units (CFU) of P. aeruginosa. The healing pattern was assessed from wound reduction, matrix metalloprotease (MMP) levels, CFU reduction and histological and biochemical analysis. Key findings The treated group exhibited complete healing by day 15, compared with day 24 in the control group. Early subsidence of infection (99.9% by day 9) resulted in faster epidermal resurfacing and fibroplasias, whereas the microbial load exceeded 10³ CFU even on day 15 in the control group and caused severe inflammation. Biochemical analysis showed that the expression of both collagen and hexosamine was significantly increased in the treated group. Gelatin zymography revealed prolonged expression of MMPs 2, 8 and 9 in the control group compared with the treated group. Conclusions The study indicates that the developed dressing attenuated both infection and metalloprotease levels, and may therefore have potential application in wound healing.     

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of unripe papaya extract in an excision wound model

Abstract

Context: Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) fruit was shown to exhibit wound healing properties.

Objectives: We investigated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of papaya fruit phosphate-buffered saline extract (PE) during wound healing and enhancement of the potentials due to trace ions addition.

Materials and methods: Rat excision wounds were topically treated twice/day with 20?µL of PE (5?mg extract/mL), 0.5?µg Se²⁺ added PE (PES), or 100?µM Zn²⁺ added PE (PEZ). Control groups were treated with deionized water (negative) and deproteinized calf blood extract ointment (Solcoseryl®, positive). Lipid peroxidation (LPX), antioxidant, proinflammatory, and arginine metabolic enzymes were estimated in the wound excised on days 4 and 10 post wounding.

Results: PE (5?mg/mL; 9.80?±?0.33?d) and PES (PE?+?0.5?µg Se²⁺; 8.90?±?0.23?d) significantly (p?<?0.05) reduced the average time for complete wound closure compared with the negative (13.00?±?0.37?d) and positive (9.80?±?0.33?d) controls, respectively. Biochemical evaluations of LPX product (malondialdehyde), antioxidant (catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), and pro-inflammatory (cyclooxygenase-2 and myeloperoxidase (MPO)) enzyme activities and metabolites (nitrite and urea), on days 4 and 10 post wounding, confirmed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of PE and PES in this study.

Discussion and conclusion: Treatment of excision wounds with papaya extract, especially with the addition of selenium for 10?d, reduced inflammation associated oxidative damage apparently via cyclooxygenase specific inhibition, arginine metabolism, and up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes.     

Wound healing activity of extracts derived from Shorea robusta resin

Context: Shorea robusta Gaertn.f. (Dipterocarpaceae) resin is used for treating infected wounds and burns by tribals in India.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate wound-healing activity of S. robusta resin extracts and essential oil in rats.

Materials and methods: Methanol extract (SRME), petroleum ether, benzene insoluble fraction of methanol extract (SRPEBIME), and essential oil (SREO) of S. robusta resin were incorporated in soft yellow paraffin (10% w/w) and applied once daily on incision and excision wounds of Wistar rats. Framycetin ointment (1.0% w/w) was applied to the standard group. Tensile strength (on the 10th day), wound contraction, and scar area (on the 14th day) were recorded. On the 15th day, granulation tissues of excision wounds were analyzed for total protein, hydroxyproline, and hexosamine contents and activities of lipid peroxidation and super oxide dismutase (SOD). Histopathology of the wounds was also studied.

Results and discussion: SRPEBIME and SREO healed incision and excision wounds faster than plain ointment base and framycetin. Tensile strength of SRPEBIME-treated incision wounds was 53% higher than that of control animals. In excision wounds, wound contraction and scar areas were found to be 99% and 7.7?mm² (SRPEBIME) and 71.7% and 21?mm² (control). Protein and hydroxyproline contents were higher in SRPEBIME (20.8 and 3.5% w/w) and SREO (17.4 and 2.8% w/w) groups as against 9.95 and 1.48% w/w in control groups. Histopathology revealed complete epithelization and new blood vessel formation in SRPEBIME groups.

Discussion and conclusion: SRPEBIME and SREO have significant wound-healing activities on incision and excision wounds.     

Wound healing activity of Sida cordifolia Linn. in rats

Introduction:

The present study provides a scientific evaluation for the wound healing potential of ethanolic (EtOH) extract of Sida cordifolia Linn. (SCL) plant.

Materials and Methods:

Excision, incision and burn wounds were inflicted upon three groups of six rats each. Group I was assigned as control (ointment base). Group II was treated with 10% EtOH extract ointment. Group III was treated with standard silver sulfadiazine (0.01%) cream. The parameters observed were percentage of wound contraction, epithelialization period, hydroxyproline content, tensile strength including histopathological studies.

Result:

It was noted that the effect produced by the ethanolic extract of SCL ointment showed significant (P < 0.01) healing in all wound models when compared with the control group. All parameters such as wound contraction, epithelialization period, hydroxyproline content, tensile strength and histopathological studies showed significant (P < 0.01) changes when compared with the control.

Conclusion:

The ethanolic extract ointment of SCL effectively stimulates wound contraction; increases tensile strength of excision, incision and burn wounds.KEY WORDS: Burn injury, excision injury, incision injury, Sida cordifolia Linn. wound healing     

五谷虫提取物凝胶对大鼠深Ⅱ度烫伤创面愈合的影响

目的：探讨五谷虫提取物凝胶对大鼠深Ⅱ度烫伤创面愈合作用的影响。方法：取雄性SD大鼠75只,建立大鼠深Ⅱ度烫伤模型,随机分为A组（给予五谷虫提取物凝胶）,B组（给予京万红软膏）,C组（给予凝胶基质）;每组25只,连续给药14 d。每组随机取5只,观察烫伤后创面形态变化,记录愈合时间。烫伤后第4,7,10,14天每组各取5只大鼠,计算创面愈合率后,取各时间节点大鼠创面并分为双份,一份用于测定创面组织中羟脯氨酸含量,一份用于组织病理学检查,观察成纤维细胞、毛细血管、胶原等指标,并采用免疫组化的方法对创面中表皮细胞生长因子（EGF）和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子（bFGF）的表达进行定量分析。结果：五谷虫提取物凝胶可提高创面愈合率,缩短愈合时间,增加创面羟脯氨酸含量,促进创面成纤维细胞迁移、增殖,毛细血管新生、胶原蛋白表达增加,并提高EGF和bFGF的表达。结论：五谷虫提取物凝胶具有促进烫伤创面愈合的作用。     

Embelin accelerates cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rats

This study reports the effect of embelin (1) on cutaneous wound in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The effect was studied using excision, incision, and dead space models. In diabetic rats, topical application of embelin 5% (w/w) ointment showed a significant increase in wound contraction and better epithelialization, thereby facilitating the healing. Embelin was also active by the oral route (25 and 50 mg/kg) in the incision and dead space wound models. In incision wound model, wound granulation tissues were removed on 8th post-wounding day, and the hydroxyproline, hexosamine, total protein, and DNA contents were determined. In STZ diabetic rats, topical and oral applications of embelin showed an increase in hydroxyproline, hexosamine, total protein, and DNA contents. It also showed a significant increase in wound breaking strength. Embelin significantly increased granuloma tissue weight and breaking strength in dead space model. These results indicated that embelin accelerated wound healing in diabetic rat.