In Vivo Histological Assessment of Local Application of Fenugreek Seed Oil on Cutaneous Wound Healing

Abstract

Background: Healing is a process that restores the physical integrity of body structures. It is adynamic, complex, multicellular process that involves the extracellular matrix, cytokines, bloodcells, and growth factors. It includes hemostasis ,inflammatory phase, proliferative phase andmaturation phase. Studies have shown fenugreek to be an anti-inflammatory agent, which supportsits traditional use as a treatment for sore throat, arthritis, and wound healing.Objective: Histological and histomorphometric assessment of potential activity of fenugreek oilon healing of experimentally induced cutaneous wound in rats.Materials and methods: Thirty male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus )weighing about250-400gm were used in this study, two circular standardized wounds were performed on ratdorsum with a sterile biopsy punch(5mm) in diameter .The wounds at the right side were left toheal spontaneously as a control ,whereas the left side treated daily with fenugreek seeds oil(0.2ml).Sacrification of animals was done at the end of each healing periods (1st ,3rd , and 7th day) to collectthe specimens by cutting the skin about 5 mm around the edges of the wound for histologicalexamination.Results: Obtained findings showed decrease in mean values of wound contraction with time,as lowest mean value recorded at day 7 at experimental side. inflammatory cells count showedhighest mean values recorded in experimental groups at day 1,however mean values of epithelialthickness increased values with time in all groups .Conclusion: the present study showed that the fenugreek oil was effective for wound healing whenapplied locally.