Effects of the Hydnophytum formicarum plant extract on collagen density, angiogenesis, wound length, and re-epithelialization in wound healing: Experimental study on rats

Abstract

Background. The formation of scar tissue in the wound healing process is associated with fibroblasts that are produced during the proliferation phase (3–14 days after surgery/injury). One of the strategies to suppress the formation of excessive scar tissue is to use wound care material. The use of herbal extracts is currently being investigated by researchers, as it allows avoiding the side effects of synthetic drugs. The Hydnophytum formicarum extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Objectives. The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of the Hydnophytum formicarum plant extract on collagen density, angiogenesis, wound length, and re-epithelialization in wound healing. Material and methods. Twenty-four Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups: the control group; and the treatment group. Skin wounds were made on the dorsum of the rats, using the biopsy punch technique. Four rats from each group were sacrificed on days 4, 7 and 14 after injury. Collagen density, angiogenesis, wound length, and re-epithelialization were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson’s trichrome staining. Results. There were significant differences in the results of the angiogenesis analysis, wound length and re-epithelialization between the treatment and control groups. When considering angiogenesis, there were fewer vessels in the treatment group, but they were more mature as compared to the control group. There was also a meaningful interaction between the application of the Hydnophytum formicarum extract and the necropsy day with regard to collagen density and the re-epithelialization rate. No secondary infection was found in either group. Conclusions. The topical use of the Hydnophytum formicarum extract affected the formation of scar tissue, as indicated by the positive area of collagen, the extent of angiogenesis, wound length, and the re-epithe-lialization rate in the early, middle and final granulation phases. The inhibition of angiogenesis through the application of Hydnophytum formicarum was probably related to the formation of scar tissue in the wound.