Preparation and in vivo Evaluation of an Astragalus Gummifer Hydrogel-Based Dressing for Excisional Wound

Abstract

This experimental study aimed to prepare a topical wound-healing gel based on natural compounds. For this purpose, the natural biopolymer of Astragalus gummifer (A.G.) was initially selected as a substrate. After pecan oil preparation, pecan oil emulsion's effect in concentrations of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.8% was studied for wound healing in Wistar rats (200-250 gr). Animals were randomly divided into 2 groups: a control and an experimental group. An excisional Wound was applied on the dorsum of rats with scissors with the desired dimension. Antimicrobials, skin sensitivity, and macroscopic evaluation of animals were investigated on different days. In all samples, the diameter of the halos of non-growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was 16 mm, and that of Gram-negative Escherichia coli was 12 mm. The samples also had very good antibacterial activity. No swelling or redness was observed. Also, the topical use of gel with a concentration of 0.8% was effective in the wound healing process, and the wound was healed after 7 days of treatment. Hence, this gel exhibits promising potential as an optimal wound dressing due to its antibacterial and anti-allergenic properties.