Determination the Effectiveness of a selected formulations of Iranian Traditional Medicine “Ushaq poultice” (ammoniacum gum ointment) on Wound Healing: an experimental study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of ammonium gum ointment on wound healing in the animal model.
 Method: 32 male Wistar rats were selected; then in non-infectious condition, two full-thickness wounds with 8 mm in diameter were created bilaterally on shaved skin in 1.5 cm from the dorsal midline and randomly divided into four groups, untreated group, phenytoin cream treated group, base ointment (sesame oil and wax) treated group and Ammonicuma Gum Ointment (AGO) treated group. The animals received these medicines once daily. On days 5, 7, 10, 12 and 14 wound area was measured. On days 7 and 14, blood samples were taken, and serum level of growth factors (EGF, PDGF, VEGF, and TGF-B) were measured. Skin samples used for hematoxylin-eosin and trichrome staining. Skin tensile strength and hydroxyproline content of skin tissues also measured.
 Results: The percentage of wound healing after 14 days of treatment was significantly increased in the group receiving AGO (P˂0.05). Hydroxyproline content of repaired tissue and tensile strength increased considerably in this group (P˂0.001). Growth factors were significantly increased in animals treated with AGO compared to control groups (EGF P˂0.05; PDGF P˂0.001; VEGF P˂0.001; TGF-B P˂0.05). Histological data showed that the topical application of AGO compared to other groups resulted in positive effects on enhance neovascularization and granulation, increased wound healing rate, and decreased wound size.
 Conclusion: The topical application of an ointment containing ammoniacum gum can help speed up the process of wound healing.