A Study on the Effects of Perovskia abrotanoides Karel on Experimental Skin Burn in Male Rat: in-vivo and in-vitro Findings

Background & Objective:  Perovskia abrotanoides Karel locally known as Brazambal, is widely used in medical practice to treat various disorders. Burn is a common source of injury and Brazambal ointment has been extensively used in burn wound healing in North of Iran. The purpose of this study was to examine the healing effect of Brazambal ointment in experimental model of burn. In addition, in-vitro healing characteristics and antibacterial activity of P. abrotanoides was investigated.  Materials & Methods:  Scald burn injury was produced by pouring 2.5cc of boiling water (95ºC) on the posterior surface of rat’s neck for 10 seconds. Twenty-eight adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups (7 rats each) and followed for 7 days. Control group (no treatment); Silver sulfadiazine-treated group; Brazambal ointment-treated group; and vehicle-treated group received the complete ointment without Brazambal part. The effects of Brazambal aqueous extract on fibroblast cells and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated. Results:  Topical application of Brazambal ointment can accelerate wound healing process by initiating re-epithelialization and formation of granulation tissue. Proliferative activity of the aqueous extract on fibroblast cells was observed after 48 h in concentrations of 7.5% and 10% (P<0.0001). However, P. abrotanoides Karel extract had no significant antibacterial effect. Conclusion:  The presence of hair follicles, re-epithelialization and granulation tissue is suggestive of Brazambal ointment relative effectiveness on experimental scald burn in rats. However, further studies are warranted to reveal the healing mechanisms of P. abrotanoides.