Evaluating the Effect of Lipogel Formula Containing Extracts of Rhamnus cathartica L. on Wound Healing in Wistar Rats

Wound is a complication that is highly prevalent. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a lipogel formulation containing Rhamnus cathartica L., a native Iranian plant, on wound healing in Wistar rats.

In this experimental study, to find the best lipogel formula, several formulations with different ratios of paraffin, polyethylene and extract were examined. Twenty rats were divided into four groups (n=5), including normal saline, lipogel base, extract lipogel, and active water. Full-thickness wound of 2*2 cm was induced in the ​​ dorsal area. Wound size evaluation and histopathological study were done at days 3, 5, 7, and 12.

The formulation containing 95% paraffin and 5% polyethylene was selected due to better skin coverage, good consistency, and better uniformity. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of R. cathartica were 4.5 mg/g and 23.415mg/g, respectively. In vivo results indicated significant differences in wound size between the treatment group and other groups (P≤0.05). Histopathology studies showed that the R. cathartica extract had a better effect on collagen deposition, necrosis, fibroblast maturation, and epidermis formation compared with other groups (P≤0.05).

This study showed that lipogel containing the R. cathartica extract was effective in full-thickness wound healing.