The Role of Natural Medicines on Wound Healing: A Biomechanical, Histological, Biochemical and Molecular Study

BACKGROUND: Traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda and Indian folk medicine have used Honey, Ghee, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Nerium indicum effectively for treating wounds. The known result of these medications is faster healing. However, the mechanism of actions at the tissue level, the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of healing is not well explored and documented. This present study was therefore designed to study the efficacy of these traditional medicines singly and in combinations on excision wounds in Wistar rats. METHODS: At two different intervals (i.e., day 8 and day 16), biomechanical, histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) parameters were assessed at the wound site. IHC focused on the inflammatory rate by evaluating the level of cytokine, IL1β and the tissue remodeling by studying the activity of myofibroblasts. RESULTS: Rapid epithelization, better remodeling, favorable inflammatory changes and an adequate myofibroblast activity at the wound site was observed in all the treated groups compared to control. CONCLUSION: This study is therefore useful in exploring the mechanism of action of these traditional medicines and providing valuable scientific evidence.