Histopathological Changes on Wistar Rat Wounds after Topical Application of Fig Leaves Extracts

Abstract

Background: The incision in the oral cavity is also taken for gingivectomy. Fig leaves (Ficus carica Linn) extract contains compounds of flavonoid, terpenoids and tannins and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The important markers of wound healing were fibroblasts, macrophages and collagen density. Aim and Objectives: To investigate the topical application of fig leaves extracts on Wistar rat wounds on the number of macrophages, fibroblasts and collagen density after treatment for three and seven days. Material and Methods: This research was performed on 24 rats by making incision wounds on the backs of Wistar rats and divided into control and treatment groups. The control groups were left untreated and the treatment groups were given fig leaves extract gel on the incision wound once every day during thee and seven days, and then the animals were sacrificed. Wound tissue was removed and fixed in 10% formalin solution for histopathological test. Then it was embedded in paraffin, and stained with Hematoxylin–Eosin to observe fibroblasts and macrophages. The collagen density was observed by Masson's Trichome staining. Statistical analyses of fibroblasts and macrophages were using One-way Anova and Tukeys HSD. Collagen density was analyzed by using Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test. Results: There were significant differences among the groups (p<0.005) on the number of fibroblasts, macrophages and collagen density after treatment for three and seven days. Conclusion: Application of fig leaves extract on Wistar rat wounds could increase the number of fibroblasts and macrophages but not collagen density in the wound healing process.

Keywords

• Fig leaves (Ficus carica Linn)
• wound healing
• fibroblasts
• macrophages
• collagen