Marrubium vulgare and Cytisus triflorus are widely distributed in the Mediterranean area and are used in popular herbal medicine for their various therapeutic effects. The objective of this study is to evaluate their antibacterial, antioxidant and cicatrizing activity in order to verify their traditional use. The total phenol and flavonoid content of the extracts was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method and by the AlCl3 method, respectively. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH (diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) method. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the microdilution method. Moreover, the healing activity was evaluated by the excisional method on rats. The quality and the rate of healing were compared between the test groups (treated with an ointment containing 5% of Marrubium vulgare and Cytisus triflorus extracts) and the control groups (Madecassol® and vehicle). The rate of wound contraction was monitored every three days for 15 days. At the end of the experimental period, cutaneous biopsies were performed for histopathological analysis. The results obtained showed a high content of the extracts in polyphenols and flavonoids, which confer them significant antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. In addition, a clear decrease in the area of the wounds of the experimental groups as compared to the controls was observed as well as an improvement in the quality of the scar tissue.

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