The Effect of Myrtus communis Aqueous Extract-Containing Gel on Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: The medicinal plant Myrtus communis L. (Myrtle) has been medicinal properties including antiinflammatory and wound healing in Persian Medicine.

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the wound healing potential of the local application of a gel containing aqueous extract of the plant berry in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: Seven days after diabetes establishment, full-thickness excision skin wounds were made in normal and diabetic rats and treated groups received topical application of a gel containing 6% aqueous extract of myrtle berries for 3 weeks. The rate of wound healing and the level of epidermal and dermal maturation in the wound tissue were determined.

Results: The results showed that after 3 and 7 days of wound injury, the gel significantly improved wound healing by accelerating epidermal and dermal maturation in diabetic rats with no significant effect in control group. However, the wounds of all groups almost completely healed after 3 weeks.

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that aqueous extract of myrtle possesses a definite wound healing potential in diabetic condition. Our present findings may suggest the use of topical myrtle berries aqueous extract gel 6% to treat and manage intractable diabetic wounds.

Keywords: Myrtus communis; diabetes mellitus; persian medicine.; streptozotocin; wound healing.