Extract of Berula angustifolia (L.) Mertens Enhances Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes-impaired wound healing and other tissue abnormalities are considered to be a major concern.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the wound healing activity of the methanolic extracts of Berula angustifolia leaves.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven- week-old male Wistar rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin injection were randomized into 5 groups of 6 rats based on allocated treatment. Wounds were created by an excision-based or incision-based wound model. For wound healing activity, the extracts were applied topically in the form of ointment and compared with the control groups. The healing of the wound was assessed based on excision, incision, hydroxyproline estimation, biomechanical, and biochemical studies.

RESULTS: The healing rate of the extract-treated groups was significantly different compared with the control group (P < .05). Hydroxyproline contents increased significantly in the extract-treated groups (P < .05). There were significant differences in the extract-treated versus nonextract-treated groups, particularly in terms of cellular infiltration, acute hemorrhage, congestion, edema, collagen production and density, reepithelialization, and neovascularization.

CONCLUSIONS: The methanolic extract of B angustifolia enhances wound healing activity significantly in both studied wound models. From this animal study, enhanced wound contraction, decreased epithelialization time, increased hydroxyproline content, improved mechanical indices, histological characteristics, and biochemical studies suggest the extract of B angustifolia leaves may have therapeutic benefits in diabetes-impaired wound healing.