Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of barberries (Berberis vulgaris) on wound healing process in rats

Barberries are well known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The extract of this fruit may help accelerate epithelial tissue recovery; therefore, it could be considered as a potential substitute for synthetic medications. The current study aims to examine the impact of barberries hydro-alcoholic extract on open wound healing pathologic parameters and macroscopic size.

An incision was made in the lumbar region of twelve male rats under anesthesia. They were subsequently divided into treatment and control groups (n=6, each) and were treated with hydro-alcoholic extract of barberries-mixed with eucerin oil, and eucerin oil respectively for twenty-one days; i.e., once every 12 hours. In order to evaluate macroscopic changes in wounds, all rats were photographed daily. Furthermore, pathologic samples were obtained on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 14th, and 21st days to investigate the parameters affecting wound healing.

The findings show that applying 150 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of barberries has a significant effect on open wound healing in rats. The extract boosted angiogenesis, granulation tissue, epithelial thickness, fibroblast cells, and collagen production in the treatment group while dramatically reducing the macroscopic scar size and epithelial gap. Eventually, the healing skin was thoroughly replaced by normal skin tissue.

Hydro-alcoholic extract of barberries (Berberis vulgaris) significantly accelerates the healing process of open wounds in male rats.