The Effect Of Crocin and Safranal Components of Saffron on Skin Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat

Abstract

Background and Objectives Herbal medicines have fewer side effects than chemical drugs. In this regard, researchers are looking to find herbal ingredients to heal diabetic wounds. Saffron is a powerful antioxidant that can be effective in treating diabetic wounds. This study aims to evaluate the effect of saffron’s main ingredients (crocin and safranal) on skin wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Subjects and Methods In this experimental study, 30 rats were divided into six groups. One control group, one diabetic group, two diabetic groups treated with crocin (300 and 600 mg/kg body weight), and two diabetic groups treated with safranal (300 and 600 mg/kg body weight). The diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body weight). Sampling was performed for histological studies to measure the number of neutrophils, macrophages, blood vessels, and epithelium thickness on days 3, 7, 15 and 20 after wound creation. Results The collected data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and the least significant difference test, considering the significance level of P<0.05. Conclusion Crocin and safranal components of saffron can accelerate the wound healing process in diabetic rats by affecting the number of neutrophils, macrophages, blood vessels, and epithelial thickness.