The efficacy of Hypericum helianthemoides extraction with phenytoin in diabetic and non-diabetic wound healing: An experimental study in rats

Introduction: Traditional medicine recommends herbal medicines for metabolic disorders. The present study explores the skin wound healing potential of Hypericum helianthemoides (H. helianthemoides) extract in diabetic and non-diabetic rats.<br /> Methods: Following wound induction in diabetic (n=50) (induced by a single dose of streptozotocin) and non-diabetic (n=50) rats, H. helianthemoides extract (5% and 10%) was administered versus standard drug phenytoin (1%) and Osrin to positive and sham control groups. Tropical ointment therapy was applied once a day until the end of the study period (20 days). A Vernier caliper (with a 0.1 mm accuracy) was used to measure the wound length at 1, 3, 7, 11, 15, and 20 days after induction. Furthermore, pathological examination categorized the wound healing process into five categories: poor, mild, moderate, fair, and excellent.<br /> Results: On the study's first day, both diabetic and nondiabetic rats had the same wound area size. After 11 days, the wound area size significantly decreased in groups treated with 5% and 10% H. helianthemoides extract compared to the sham and control groups (P<0.001). Hence, based on the wound pathological evaluation scale, the most frequent phenytoin and H. helianthemoides extract-treated groups were classified as moderate to excellent (P<0.05).<br /> Conclusion: H. helianthemoides extract accelerates full-thickness wound healing in diabetic and non-diabetic rats