Evaluation of the Wheat Germ Oil Topical Formulations for Wound Healing Activity in Rats.

Abstract

Wheat Germ Oil (WGO), the flour-milling by-product of wheat has essential constituents for skin health care as vitamin E, B-complex, squalene and unsaturated fatty acids. Incorporate WGO into polymers of the cream and ointment bases and evaluate the wound healing potential of these WGO formulations in the rat-animal model. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> WGO creams and ointments were prepared in two concentrations, 10 and 20% and evaluated for storage stability, homogeneity and compatibility using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry. An amount of 0.5 g of the WGO formulations was applied daily to the injured area of the rats back. Wounds were observed for any clinical changes and healing compared to the control animal group. <b>Results:</b> The WGO was compatible with the cream and ointment bases and physically stables over 60 days of storage. The formulations of WGO have induced dose-dependent wound healing properties however the ointment formulations were demonstrating wound healing activity significantly better than the creams at all the intervals of the treatment. Within three weeks, 20% WGO ointment has induced a 90%reduction in the wound size diameter. Also, wounds recovered by 50% in 10 and 14 days of treatment with 20% WGO ointment and cream, respectively. <b>Conclusion:</b> The results revealed that WGO is a potential wound-healing agent from the scope that WGO is a common cosmetic ingredient and available at affordable prices.