Evaluation of the Wound Healing Activity of Sesame Oil Extract in Rats

Wound healing is a very complex process. Free radicals are generated at the site of injury, which are known to impair the healing process. The use of antioxidants has been shown to promote wound healing. Sesamin and sesamolin are the oil-soluble lignans in the sesame oil extract and proved to have antioxidant activity. In the present study, we have examined the characteristics of sesame oil extract in healing dermal wounds in rats. Male Wistar rats divided in 5 groups of 10 animals each and anesthesia was administered by an intramuscular injection of xylazine and ketamine. The right side skin of the rats was shaved and an incision of 4cm on the shaved skin was made. Group I-IV was treated with 0.2 sesame oil extract, 0.13 sesame oil extract, 0.1 sesame oil extract and standard treatment (Gentamycin ointment (1 %)). Group V was treated with olive oil. The rats were treated with the extract and ointment once a daily until epithelialization and complete wound closure was recorded. A better healing pattern was observed in rats treated with 0.2 sesame oil extract, 0.13 sesame oil extract and 0.1 sesame oil extract compared with the control group (olive oil). There was a significant reduction in wound length and the closure rate was much faster in sesamin extract groups when compared with control groups. The epithalialization period of the groups I-IV was much shorter than the group V (control). From the results obtained, it may be concluded that Sesame oil extract has the potential to be developed into new therapeutic agent for wound healing.