Assessing effect of three herbal medicines in second and third degree burns in rats and comparison with silver sulfadiazine ointment

Abstract

Introduction: Assessing effect of three herbal medicines on healing of deep second and third degree burns in rats and their comparison with silver sulfadiazine group.

Methods and materials: 40 rats were randomly assigned to one of the four groups, each group 10 rats. A deep second degree burn and a third degree burn were induced on the lower back and upper back of each rat under standard burning procedure, respectively. The burns were daily dressed with Robacin in group 1, silver sulfadiazine in group 2, aloe vera extract in group 3, and Rimojen in group 4. Responses to the treatment were assessed by digital photography during the treatment until day 32. Histological parameters (PMN, epithelialization, fibrosis, and angiogenesis) were assessed after the scar biopsy at the end of the research.

Results: On the basis of the taken photos, the wound had better healing in Robacin group. Also, speed of healing was better in aloe vera group than silver sulfadiazine and Rimojen groups. In terms of wound surface area maximal improvement was observed at the same time in the second and third degree burn wounds in Robacin group, in the second degree wound of aloe vera and Rimojen groups, and in the third degree wound of aloe vera and silver sulfadiazine groups. In pathological respects, epithelialization was more evident in both wounds of aloe vera group and third degree burn of Robacin group. In both wounds of Robacin group (second and third degree), the extend of angiogenesis and fibrosis was significantly less than other groups; but, inflammation was at a less level in third degree of silver, second degree of Rimogen and aloe vera, and third degree of aloe vera groups.

Conclusion: In histological survey, minimal rate of angiogenesis and fibrosis was seen in Robacin group, which indicated less wound scar in this group. Healing speed of the burn wound was also higher in Robacin group.

Keywords: Animal model; Burn ointment; Herbal medicines; Silver sulfadiazine.