Evaluation of the Wound-Healing Potential of a Polyherbal Formulation in Experimentally Induced Diabetic Rats Using Incision and Burn Wound Models

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with impaired wound healing, prolonged inflammation, reduced collagen synthesis, and delayed tissue regeneration. Experimental diabetic wound models are therefore important for understanding the mechanisms underlying delayed healing and for evaluating potential therapeutic interventions. Objectives: The purpose of present study was to evaluate the in vivo wound healing potential of polyherbal ointment in alloxan-induced diabetic rats using an incision wound model and burn wound model. Materials and Methods: Experimental diabetes was induced using alloxan. After confirmation of the diabetic state incision and burn wound were created under suitable experimental and ethical conditions. Then the polyherbal formulation was prepared and applied using selected medicinal plants having antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The animals were monitored throughout the study for changes in wound size, percentage of wound contraction, wound breaking strength, epithelialization period and general healing characteristics. Results: Diabetic rats showed delayed wound healing compared with non-diabetic as reflected by slower wound contraction, prolonged epithelialization, and delayed restoration of normal tissue architecture. Conclusion: The enhanced wound healing results from these parameters suggested that the polyherbal ointment possesses significant wound healing activity in diabetic conditions, likely due to the synergistic effect of its phytoconstituents highlighting the therapeutic potential of polyherbal formulations as effective and safe alternative in managing diabetic wounds. In addition, the established incision and burn wound model in diabetic rats provides useful experimental models for studying the pathophysiology of diabetic wounds.

Keywords: Incision wound model, Burn wound model,  Albino rats, Polyherbal ointment, Diabetic wound healing, Epithelialization, In vivo, Hyperglycemia, Collagen, Wound contraction, Wound breaking strength.