A novel wound healing ointment: A formulation of Hypericum perforatum oil and sage and oregano essential oils based on traditional Turkish knowledge

Abstract

Aim of the study: Hypericum perforatum L (Hypericaceae), olive oil (Oleaceae), Origanum Tourn ex L and Salvia L. species (Lamiaceae) are used against inflammatory disorders and for healing of skin wounds in traditional Turkish medicine. A new ointment formulation was developed to provide more efficient wound healing activity. The content of the formulation was as follows; olive oil extract of flowering aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L, olive oil, an equivalent mixture of Origanum majorana L and Origanum minutiflorum Schwrd. et Davis essential oils (Origani aetheroleum), Salvia triloba L essential oil. The aim of the present study is to assess the wound healing potential of this new formulation by using in vivo and in vitro models as well as histopathological methods. Materials and methods: For the evaluation of wound healing potential of this formulation (HPP creme mit Rotol ointment) in vivo wound healing experimental models were employed on rats and mice and the efficiency was comparatively assessed against a reference ointment Madecassol (R). Tissue sections were also evaluated histopathologically. Furthermore, the wound healing activity of each component was also investigated individually to determine the improvement in the healing capacity of the formulation. Results: The ointments of HPP creme mit Rotol and Hypericum perforatum L demonstrated the highest activities on both wound models when compared to reference ointment Madecassol (R), while the other ingredients did not show any remarkable wound healing effect. However, the efficacy of the formulation was remarkably higher than the Hypericum L ointment alone which was also confirmed by histopathological evaluation. On the other hand, the formulation did not reduce elastase activity in vitro, but inhibited the collagenase activity. HPP creme mit Rotol also exerted bactericidal and candicidal activities. Conclusions: The experimental studies revealed that HPP creme mit Rotol formulation displays remarkable wound healing activity. To be acting on the different stages of wound healing process could be considered as a beneficial effect of the formulation for the treatment of wounds