Effectiveness of topical turmeric extract compared to topical zinc on fibroblast count and collagen density in clean-contaminated wound: a study on new zealand white rabbit

Abstract

Introduction: Wound dehiscence increased the average mortality and morbidity, patient care cost and health services. Therefore, a more effective and lower-cost therapy is needed for wound healing. Zinc is a trace element which is important in the wound-healing process, while curcumin is an active component of turmeric which can also help the wound-healing process. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of topical turmeric extract with topical zinc on fibroblast count and collagen density in clean-contaminated wounds in New Zealand white rabbits. Material and Methods: This study was a randomized experimental study in 30 New Zealand white rabbits with clean contaminated wounds divided into 3 groups. One control group (treated with NaCl 0.9%) and two treatment groups (treated with topical turmeric extract and with topical zinc). Appendectomy was performed to all samples and surgical wounds were treated until day 4 postoperative. On the fifth day, histopathology observation at the edge of the surgical wound was done to see the fibroblast count using Haematoxylin Eosin staining and collagen density using Masson Trichrome staining. Results: There was a significant difference in the number of fibroblasts between the control group (NaCl 0.9%), the topical zinc group and the topical turmeric extract group (Kruskal-Wallis p=0.000). The collagen density score also had significant differences in the three groups (Kruskal-Wallis p=0.003). Although the Mann-Whitney test in the topical zinc group and the topical turmeric extract group showed no significant difference in the collagen density score (p=0.074). Conclusion: Topical administration of turmeric extract has been shown to affect the number of fibroblasts and collagen density in clean-contaminated wounds in New Zealand white rabbits, as well as topical zinc administration.