G-1753

Topical Application of Plant Resins Enhances Wound Repair: An Experimental Rat Study

 Mahsa Boukanian1*, Mohaddeseh Nazarpour1, Zaynab Sadeghi Ghadi2, Amir Baghaei3, Atefeh Hajiagha Bozorgi4, Mohammad Mahdi Ahmadian-Attari5 ¹ © ℗   

 
Abstract

Introduction: Skin injuries caused by trauma, burns, or infections compromise the skin’s barrier and may lead to delayed healing. Plant-derived resins such as Commiphora myrrha, Boswellia carteri, and Astragalus arbusculinus possess anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. In vitro studies have shown these extracts promote re-epithelialization, collagen formation, and wound healing. These results support the use of phytotherapeutic agents in modern wound care. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing potential of topical formulations containing 2–3% of these resins using a full-thickness excisional wound model in rats. Methods and Materials: This experimental study evaluated topical creams containing 1%, 2%, and 3% resins from Commiphora myrrha, Boswellia carteri, and Astragalus arbusculinus. Sixty male Wistar rats (200–300 g) were randomized into treatment and control groups. Under ketamine/xylazine anesthesia (50/5 mg/kg, IP), four full-thickness 6-mm excisional wounds were created on each rat’s dorsum. Daily treatments were applied for 21 days. Groups included: base cream, saline (negative control), 1% phenytoin (positive control), and the three resin formulations. Wound areas were measured on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21. Histopathological assessments (H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining) evaluated collagen deposition, inflammatory cells, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, and skin appendage regeneration. Stability tests (40°C/75% RH, 6 months) and total phenolic content (Folin–Ciocalteu assay) ensured formulation consistency. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (p0.05). All procedures were approved by the Ethics Committee of Alborz University of Medical Sciences (IR.ABZUMS.REC.1400.183). Results: The study evaluated topical creams containing 1–3% Commiphora myrrha, Boswellia carteri, and Astragalus arbusculinus resins for wound healing in rats. The optimized formulation showed good stability (17.96–18.28 mg GAE/g phenolic content over 12 months) and acceptable organoleptic properties. In vivo results revealed significant wound contraction, with 2% and 3% formulations outperforming controls (p0.05). By day 21, treated wounds (2.58–3.60 mm²) were smaller than those treated with base cream (8.45 mm²) or saline (11.25 mm²), and comparable to phenytoin (3.50 mm²). Histology showed faster re-epithelialization (day 7 vs. day 14), thicker collagen fibers, and earlier angiogenesis (peaking at day 7). The 3% cream induced earlier regeneration of hair follicles and exhibited sustained anti-inflammatory effects. These results confirm the dose-dependent wound-healing potential of the resin-based formulations. Conclusion and Discussion: The 2% resin cream (Commiphora myrrha, Boswellia carteri, Astragalus arbusculinus) significantly enhances wound healing through anti-inflammatory and collagen-modulating effects, outperforming phenytoin. Higher concentration solubility is a limitation. Future studies should explore nano-formulations and clinical trials to confirm efficacy. This validates traditional uses while proposing a standardized phytotherapeutic option.

Keywords: Wound healing, skin injury, Astragalus, Boswellia, Commiphora