Investigation of the effect of zinc oxide and bitter melon (momordica charantia) combination on diabetic wound

Diabetes affects the wound healing process negatively. Therefore, there is a need for applications that will positively affect the healing of diabetic wounds. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of dressing combined with zinc oxide and Momordica charantia oil on wound healing in experimental diabetic rats histopathologically and biochemically. A total of 28 rats, 7 rats in each group, were used in the study. Rats randomized as diabetic and non-diabetics were divided into experimental and control groups again. While daily wound dressing was performed with cream formulated using zinc oxide and Momordica charantia (ZMC) to the experimental groups, daily wound care was performed with saline in the control groups. Throughout the study, macroscopic observation, wound surface area calculation, histopathological examination and hydroxyproline level measurement were made. In the 7th day measurements, the wound surface area was found to be smaller in the diabetic experimental group compared to the control group, and in the non-diabetic experimental group compared to the non-diabetic control group. In macroscopic observations, more positive wound healing process was observed in the groups treated with ZMC. The application of ZMC reduced bacterial contamination and scar tissue and increased collagen formation and connective tissue stability. As a result, there is promising evidence that wound healing is better in experimental groups.