The Wound Healing Effects of Herbal Cream Containing and Essential Oils in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Model.

BACKGROUND

The number of diabetic patients in adult population is increasing. All this population are at risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) that are associated with unwanted ailments and high mortality. In spite of current therapies for DFUs, further therapies are needed to help the patients.

METHODS

The efficacy of herbal cream containing and essential oils was evaluated topically for treatment of DFUs in rat animal model in comparison with two other herbal formulas containing each essential oil alone, placebo (the basic formula without active ingredients) and normal saline as control groups. After anesthesia of diabetic rats (n=75) induced by streptozotocin (STZ), diabetic wounds were visible on the hind dorsal surface . The treatments were initiated on Day 1 and repeated 3 times a day for thirteen consecutive days. On day 1, 3, 5, 8 and 13, the wound sizes were determined and assessed histologically.

RESULTS

Three herbal formulations reduced the size of wounds in rats with DFUs, while the cream containing combined herbals of and essential oils had the highest tissue repair in DFU rat models.

CONCLUSION

Due to better wound healing effects of combined herbal cream containing and essential oils, it can be recommended in treatment of DFUs.