Effects of Salvia Tomentosa Ointment on Dermal Wound Healing in a Rabbit Model

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the wound healing activity of an ointment containing the hydroethanolic extract of Salvia Tomentosa (S. tomentosa) in a dermal wound model using rabbits. Ointments with concentrations of 2.5% (w/v) and 5% (w/v) were prepared using the hydroethanolic extracts of S. tomentosa. An in vivo excisional wound model was embloyed with New Zealand rabbits (n = 35) to assess the wound healing activity of these ointments. Rabbits were randomly divided into five experimental groups: negative (received no treatment), vehicle (received only the ointment vehicle), positive control (treated with Fitokrem®), and those treated with 2.5% (w/v) and 5% (w/v) S. tomentosa ointments. Wound diameters were measured using calipers on the 4th, 8th, and 14th days, and histopathological examinations were conducted on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days of treatment. The total phenolic content of the S. tomentosa hydroethanolic extract was determined to be 61.52 ± 2.33 μg of Gallic Acid Equivalents per mg of dry plant material. The total phenolic content and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of the hydroethanolic extract of Salvia tomentosa were determined spectrophotometrically. In terms of wound closure, both 2.5% and 5% S. tomentosa ointments demonstrated wound healing activity comparable to that of Fitokrem®. In conclusion, S. tomentosa exibits a positive effect on dermal wound healing in rabbits.