Exploring the Potential of Hesperidin in Preventing Hypertrophic Scars: Insights from a Rabbit Ear Model

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scars, commonly occurring after trauma or surgery in critical areas like the head and joints, pose significant challenges to both physical and mental health due to their impact on skin function and aesthetics. While the complex pathogenesis involves fibroblast activation and collagen deposition, effective treatments are lacking, underscoring the importance of exploring pathogenesis and targeted therapies. Hesperidin, a bioactive compound in citrus fruits with diverse health benefits, including anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic effects, is the focus of this study with the aim of investigating its impact on hypertrophic scar formation, given its potential to promote blood flow and improve skin microcirculation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to observe the inhibitory effect of topical hesperidin on hypertrophic scars in rabbits. METHODS: A total of 8 healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits were used to establish a rabbit hypertrophic scarring animal model. Five wounds were created on each rabbit’s two ears, with three wounds on the left ear (groups A, B, and C) and two wounds on the right ear (groups D and E). After six days of wound drying postoperatively, the wounds were locally treated with medication as followed: group A, 0.1% hesperidin; group B, 1% hesperidin; group C, 1% triamcinolone acetonide; group D, Vaseline; and group E, blank control without any medication. After 28 days, the scar tissue samples were collected for histological examination. RESULTS: The results showed that the scar texture of groups B and C was softer and lighter in color, and the number of fibroblasts, capillaries, and inflammatory cells in the tissue was significantly less than those in the other three groups. The hypertrophic scar indices of groups B and C were significantly smaller than those of groups A, D, and E, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There were no significant difference between groups B and C. CONCLUSION: Topical application of hesperidin demonstrated promising potential for reducing hypertrophic scar formation in rabbits.