Assessment of Wound Healing Potential of Pachai Pakku Thailam Using Excision and Incision Wound Models in Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Wound healing involves complex biological processes such as inflammation, tissue proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Although conventional treatments like Povidone Iodine and Silver Nitrate are effective, traditional herbal formulations offer potential alternatives. This study investigates the wound healing efficacy of Pachai Pakku Thailam (PPT)-a Siddha formulation in rat models of excision and incision wounds.

Methodology: In excision model rats were divided into four groups: Group I (Control), Group II (Povidone Iodine), Group III (Silver Nitrate) and Group IV (PPT). In incision model rats were divided into three groups: Group I (Control), Group II (Povidone Iodine) and Group III (PPT). Excision and incision wounds were created and treated topically for 21 and 11 days respectively. Wound contraction, tensile strength and biochemical markers—hydroxyproline, hexosamine and hexuronic acid—were measured. Histological examination was performed to assess tissue regeneration.

Results: The wound contraction in the PPT group reached 95.8 ± 0.636% by day 21, higher than the control (88.5 ± 1.6%) and comparable to Povidone Iodine (90.2 ± 1.41%) and Silver Nitrate (91.4 ± 1.08%). Hydroxyproline content was significantly elevated in the PPT group (77.4 ± 0.339 µg/g tissue) compared to control (41.9 ± 0.586 µg/g, p < 0.001). Increases were also seen in hexosamine (91 ± 37.1 µg/mg protein) and hexuronic acid (51.7 ± 2.41 µg/mg protein) in the PPT group. Tensile strength of incision wounds improved with PPT but was slightly higher than standard group value. Histopathology studies showed that the PPT group had a good tissue regeneration, indicating successful healing at the cellular level.

Conclusion: PPT significantly enhances wound healing by promoting collagen deposition and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. However, further formulation refinement, comprehensive safety evaluation, and additional preclinical and clinical studies are necessary before it can be considered for further clinical application.