Evaluating the Effect of Lipogel Formula Containing Extracts of Rhamnus cathartica L. on Wound Healing in Wistar Rats

Background and purpose: Wound is a complication that is highly prevalent. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a lipogel formulation containing Rhamnus cathartica L., a native Iranian plant, on wound healing in Wistar rats. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, to find the best lipogel formula, several formulations with different ratios of paraffin, polyethylene and extract were examined. Twenty rats were divided into four groups (n=5), including normal saline, lipogel base, extract lipogel, and active water. Full-thickness wound of 2*2 cm was induced in the ​​ dorsal area. Wound size evaluation and histopathological study were done at days 3, 5, 7, and 12. Results: The formulation containing 95% paraffin and 5% polyethylene was selected due to better skin coverage, good consistency, and better uniformity. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of R. cathartica were 4.5 mg/g and 23.415mg/g, respectively. In vivo results indicated significant differences in wound size between the treatment group and other groups (P≤0.05). Histopathology studies showed that the R. cathartica extract had a better effect on collagen deposition, necrosis, fibroblast maturation, and epidermis formation compared with other groups (P≤0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that lipogel containing the R. cathartica extract was effective in full-thickness wound healing.