Accelerative effect of topical Zataria multiflora essential oil against infected wound model by modulating inflammation, angiogenesis, and collagen biosynthesis

Abstract

Context

Zataria multiflora Boiss (Lamiaceae) essential oil (ZME) is believed to be a bactericide herbal medicine and might alleviate negative effects of infection.

Objective

This study evaluates the effects of an ointment prepared from ZME (ZMEO) on infected wounds.

Materials and methods

A full-thickness excisional skin wound was surgically created in each mouse and inoculated with 5 × 10⁷ suspension containing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The BALB/c mice (n = 72) were divided into four groups: (1) negative control that received base ointment (NCG), (2) positive control that daily received Mupirocin^® (MG), (3) therapeutic ointment containing 2% ZMEO and (4) therapeutic ointment containing 4% ZMEO, for 21 days. Wound contraction, total bacterial count, histopathological parameters, antioxidant activity, qRT-PCR analysis for expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, VEGF, IGF-1, TGF-β, IL-10, and FGF-2 mRNA levels were assessed on days 3, 7, and 14 following the wounding.

Results

Topical administration of ZMEO significantly decreased the total bacterial count and wound area and also expression of IL-1β and TNF-α compared to the control groups (p < 0.05) in all days. This could also increase significantly the expression of TGF-β, IL-10 IGF-1, FGF-2, and VEGF, and also angiogenesis, fibroblasts, fibrocytes, epithelialization ratio, and collagen deposition and improve antioxidant status compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Discussion and conclusion

ZMEO accelerated the healing process of infected wounds by shortening the inflammatory factors and increasing proliferative phase. Applying ZMEO only and/or in combination with chemical agents for the treatment of wound healing could be suggested.

Keywords:

• Infected wound healing
• inflammatory cytokines
• antimicrobial properties
• thymol

Acknowledgements

The authors thank AYANDEH laboratory and Dr Behzad Baradaran for their assistances in histological and molecular analyses. Moreover, the authors would like to extend our gratitude to the Board of Researcheditor.ir for providing the best scientific and editorial services for scientists in Iran.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.