Comparative efficacy of Salix aegyptiaca's active compound versus phenytoin in healing full-thickness rat skin wounds: An animal model study

Background: Wound healing poses a challenging therapeutic scenario, requiring diverse clinical approaches. Objectives: This study aims to assess the wound-healing potential of Salix aegyptiaca's flower ointment compared to phenytoin, considering the active constituents of S. aegyptiaca and its traditional usage. Methods: Initially, the active components of S. aegyptiaca were isolated and identified through the GC-MS technique. Subsequently, for the experimental intervention, thirty-five rats were divided into five distinct groups: control (C), phenytoin (F), and three S. aegyptiaca ointment groups at different concentrations (5 % - S5, 25 % - S25, and 50 % - S50). Anesthesia was administered, and wounds were induced on the animals' necks following a standard procedure. These wounds were then treated for a duration of 21 days. Wound healing progress was quantified, and histopathological assessments were conducted using hematoxylin and eosin staining and Mason's trichrome staining. Results: The main active compounds of S. aegyptiaca, namely n-hexadecanoic acid and oleic acid, were identified via GC-MS analysis. Although the initial group weights did not show a significant difference (P = 0.271), a significant variation was observed in the final weights (P = 0.003). The S50 group exhibited a lower wound healing rate than the S25 group on the 7th and 14th days but surpassed it on the 21st day (C < F < S5 approximate to S2550). Pathological analysis of the S50 group revealed advanced re-epithelialization, heightened skin regeneration, increased angiogenesis, folliculogenesis, more orderly collagen fibers, and a marked reduction in cellular infiltration compared to the F group. Conclusion: The findings highlight the superior wound-healing efficacy of 50 % S. aegyptiaca ointment over phenytoin ointment.