Wound healing activity of Tropaeolum tuberosum-based topical formulations in mice

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz and Pavón, a tuber native to South America, is characterized by its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the healing effect of the topical T. tuberosum formulations (gel and cream) on induced wounds in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, an acidic ethanolic extract (1.5 N hydrochloric acid and 96% ethanol at the ratio of 15:85, v/v) was prepared with the tubers of T. tuberosum ecotype black and incorporated into topical cream and gel formulations at 1%. Thirty-twoBalb/c mice were divided into four experimental groups receiving daily topical treatments for 14 days: Group I (control; no treatment), Group II (a commercial ointment of neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin), Group III (1% T. tuberosum gel), and Group IV (1% T. tuberosum cream). The wound closure in the mice was determined during the treatment; then, they were euthanized to obtain skin samples for histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Groups III and IV showed a higher percentage of wound closure from the 6(th) day of the treatment. From the 8(th) day, the effect was greater in Group III. The healing effect was confirmed by the histopathological changes. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that the topical formulations of T. tuberosum demonstrate wound-healing activity in mice, and the most effective treatment is the 1% gel formulation.