Comparison of the effectiveness of topically applied Mumijo extracts and dexpanthenol in the treatment of wound healing in diabetic rats

Introduction: Wound healing is a critical factor in determining postoperative morbidity and hospital stay in surgical patients. In diabetic individuals, the wound healing process is significantly impaired due to persistent hyperglycemia. Numerous analyses and clinical studies have been conducted to improve this impaired healing. Considering the negative effects of diabetes on tissue repair, this study aimed to compare the efficacy of topically applied Mumijo extract and dexpanthenol—both of which have been reported to promote wound healing—on experimentally induced wounds in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: This study was designed with four groups, each consisting of seven female Wistar Albino rats aged 8–10 weeks, totaling 28 subjects. The groups were designated as follows: control group, diabetic group, dexpanthenol cream group, and Mumijo extract group. A diabetes model was induced in all rats except those in the control group (n=7), resulting in 21 diabetic rats. After intraperitoneal administration of anesthetic agents, the animals were placed in the prone position, and surgical site sterilization was performed. A full-thickness skin wound measuring approximately 4 cm² was created in the interscapular region of each rat. Wound surface area measurements were performed and biopsy samples were obtained on days 7, 14, and 21 for further analysis. Results: Wound surface measurements, biochemical analyses (especially total antioxidant levels), and histopathological assessments—including Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E), Van Gieson staining, and immunohistochemical evaluation—were conducted to investigate neovascularization, collagen regularity, fibroblast activity, myofibroblast density, collagen content, mononuclear cell infiltration, and congestion. The results indicated that wound healing followed a generally similar pattern across all groups. However, it was observed that wound healing was more pronounced and efficient in both the Mumijo extract and dexpanthenol treatment groups compared to the others. Conclusion: This study, limited to specific parameters, demonstrated that the topical application of Mumijo extracts and dexpanthenol cream yielded comparable efficacy in enhancing wound healing in an experimental diabetic rat model. Keywords: Mumijo, dexpanthenol, wound healing