Comparative efficacy of Salix aegyptiaca's active compound versus phenytoin in healing full-thickness rat skin wounds: An animal model study

Abstract

BackgroundWound healing poses a challenging therapeutic scenario, requiring diverse clinical approaches. ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the wound-healing potential of Salix aegyptiaca's flower ointment compared to phenytoin, considering the active constituents of S. aegyptiaca and its traditional usage. MethodsInitially, the active components of S. aegyptiaca were isolated and identified through the GC-MS technique. Subsequently, for the experimental intervention, thirty-five rats were divided into five distinct groups: control (C), phenytoin (F), and three S. aegyptiaca ointment groups at different concentrations (5 % - S5, 25 % - S25, and 50 % - S50). Anesthesia was administered, and wounds were induced on the animals' necks following a standard procedure. These wounds were then treated for a duration of 21 days. Wound healing progress was quantified, and histopathological assessments were conducted using hematoxylin and eosin staining and Mason's trichrome staining. ResultsThe main active compounds of S. aegyptiaca, namely n-hexadecanoic acid and oleic acid, were identified via GC-MS analysis. Although the initial group weights did not show a significant difference (P = 0.271), a significant variation was observed in the final weights (P = 0.003). The S50 group exhibited a lower wound healing rate than the S25 group on the 7th and 14th days but surpassed it on the 21st day (C < F < S5≈S25<S50). Pathological analysis of the S50 group revealed advanced re-epithelialization, heightened skin regeneration, increased angiogenesis, folliculogenesis, more orderly collagen fibers, and a marked reduction in cellular infiltration compared to the F group. ConclusionThe findings highlight the superior wound-healing efficacy of 50 % S. aegyptiaca ointment over phenytoin ointment.