Evaluation of in Vivo Wound Healing Activity of Pistacia Vera L. Hull Extract on Excision Wound Model in Rats

Abstract

Several studies report that different parts of the Pistacia vera L. plant effectively heal wounds. However, there is no documented scientific report on Pistacia vera L. hull's in vivo wound healing activities so far. This study evaluates the wound healing efficacy of ointment prepared from the extract obtained from the peels of P. vera L. fruits collected from Turkey through an excision wound model. The ointment was prepared with 0.5% methanolic extract obtained from P. vera L. hull was applied topically on the wound excision created on the back of rats. Wound healing effects were evaluated by wound closure percentage. The samples taken after healing examined the effect of P. vera L. hull on the protein expression levels of TNF-α, an inflammation marker, and some growth factors involved in wound healing. Compared to the other groups, P. vera L. hull ointment showed significant wound healing on the 21st day. TNF-α showed lower protein expression levels than the untreated and vehicle control groups. Bek, VEGF, and FGFR protein expression levels were lower than all groups. These results confirmed the wound closure percentages of the relevant tissues. The study suggested that P.vera L. hull shortens the wound healing period and is a potential agent in wound treatment.