Evaluation of wound healing potential of pomegranate (Punica granatum) whole fruit extract on skin burn wound in rats (Rattus norvegicus)

OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted to study the wound healing process of whole fruit pomegranate extract (punica granatum) standardized with 40% ellagic acid ointment for deep second-degree burn wound of skin in the rat (Rattus norvegicus). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Powder of standardized pomegranate extract (SPE) with 40% ellagic acid was processed to become ointments. Twenty-five male rats, weighed 150–180 gm at 3 months of age, were randomly divided into five groups. After anesthetized, stainless circle plate with 1 cm of diameter in 85°C was contacted firmly toward right gluteal of rat skins for 5 sec in order to create deep second-degree burn wound. Control groups consist of (T0) cream base and (T1) 1% silver sulfadiazine. Treatment groups consist of (T2) 2.5% SPE, (T3) 5% SPE, and (T4) 10% SPE. Histopathological preparation used hematoxylin-eosin stained skin samples. Histological observations were performed using the optics microscope against collagen, the number of polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) infiltration, the degree of angiogenesis, and re-epithelization. The results were statistically compared between groups. RESULTS: Microscopic observation on the wound healing process on the collagen, PMN infiltration, angiogenesis, and re-epithelization showed that topical administration of 10% SPE in burns gives the best result. This is characterized by a high density of collagen with a good arrangement, which is accompanied by a complete and mature epithelium, low number of inflammatory cells, and angiogenesis. This may be caused by the compounds in the pomegranate extract, which have the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial effects. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that 10% SPE accelerates the healing of deep second-degree burn wound. Thus, pomegranate standardized with 40% ellagic acid is a promising herb for the healing of burn wound of skin.