Comparison of the effects of Prunella Vulgaris, Symphytum officinale, and Plantago major on wound healing in rats with an excisional wound model

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Prunella vulgaris, Plantago major, and Symphytum officinale on wound healing. Forty-two rats were divided into six groups of seven: Plantago major (PM), Prunella vulgaris (PV), Symphytum officinale (SO), olive oil-beeswax-vitamin E mixture (OBEG), control group (CG), and healthy control group (HCG). A 6 mm excisional wound was created in all groups except HCG using a biopsy punch. Herbal ointments were applied topically three times daily to the treatment groups. The OBEG group received an olive oil-beeswax-vitamin E mixture, while the wounds in the CG group were cleaned with isotonic solution three times daily. No treatment was administered to the HCG group. Macroscopic findings showed significantly better wound healing rate, closure percentage, and perimeter reduction in the PM, PV, and SO groups compared to the CG group. Histopathological evaluation revealed vascular granulation tissue composed of fibroblasts and dense collagen fibers, partially or fully covered by an epithelial layer in the PM, PV, and SO groups. In contrast, the control group exhibited a higher density of inflammatory cells and only early epithelialization. In conclusion, these herbal extracts positively affected wound healing and may have potential for clinical use.