Impact of Moringa oleifera Hydro-Alcoholic Bark Extract on Diabetic Wound Healing: A Topical Approach.

Purpose: The current study was aimed to evaluate the potential of Moringa oleifera against diabetic foot ulcer, where the wound healing is impaired and susceptible to infection.

Methods: The effects of M. oleifera hydroalcoholic bark extract (MOHE) on different parameters influencing diabetic wound healing were comprehensively investigated including: anti-inflammatory effects, antibacterial properties, antioxidant activity, anti-diabetic properties, and fibroblast proliferation and migration. Furthermore, in vivo studies were conducted in diabetic rats and Zebrafish to investigate the topical effects of MOHE on wound healing.

Results: The findings of this study demonstrated that MOHE has strong anti-diabetic effect, including a significant inhibition of α-amylase activity (IC50 = 0.043 mg/mL) and 2.92-fold increase in 2-NBDG uptake in McCoy cells. MOHE demonstrated considerable antioxidant activity, inhibiting DPPH (IC50: 0.046 mg/mL) and ABTS (IC50: 0.04 mg/mL) free radicals. In in vitro wound healing studies employing MOHE revealed a significant increase in McCoy fibroblast proliferation (148.83%) and improved migration, resulting in a wound closure rate of 46.3%. MOHE exhibited significant antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria species. It efficiently reduced heat-induced RBC hemolysis, with anti-inflammatory effect of 73% at 0.2 mg/mL. Furthermore, MOHE demonstrated better results in the treatment of diabetic wounds in Wistar rats and fin regeneration in Zebra fish compared to Calendula cream.

Conclusion: This evidence based pharmacological study highlights the promising potential of MOHE in facilitating the healing of diabetic wounds, offering a topical approach to address this challenging healthcare issue.