Effects of Salvia tomentosa ointment on dermal wound healing in a rabbit model

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the wound healing activity of the ointment containing hydroethonolic extract of Salvia tomentosa on a dermal wound model in rabbits. The total phenolic content and DPPH scavenging activity of the hydroethonolic extract of S. tomentosa were determined spectrophotometrically. 2.5% (w/v) and 5% (w/v) ointments were prepared with hydroethanolic extracts of Salvia tomentosa. An in vivo excisional wound model in New Zealand rabbits (n = 35) was used to assess the ointments' wound healing activity. The rabbits were randomly divided into 5 experimental groups, as negative (not receiving any treatment), vehicle (ointment vehicle), positive control (Fitokrem®), 2.5% (w/v) and 5% (w/v) S. tomentasa ointments. The wound diameters were measured using calipers on the 4th, 8th, and 14th days, and histopathological examinations were performed on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days of treatment. The total phenolic content of S. tomentosa hydroethanolic extract was found to be 61.52 2.33 g of GAE/mg dry plant material. The DPPH scavenging activities of the extract at the concentrations of 10, 100 and 1000 μg/mL were 16.33 ± 3.49, 36.96 ± 7.22 and 72.71 ± 11.50%, respectively. In terms of wound closure, 2.5% and 5% Salvia tomentosa ointments have wound healing activity similar to Fitokrem®. As a conclusion, S. tomentosa has a positive dermal wound healing effect in rabbits.