The Effect of Zataria multiflora Nanoemulsion Gel on Rat Surgical Wound Healing.

Background: We aimed to determine the effect of Zataria multiflora Nanoemulsion gel on surgical wound healing.

Methods: This experimental study was conducted in the years 2021-2022 at the Animal Research Center of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, northern Iran. Forty two male Westar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=7). After a surgical incision of full thickness with a 3 cm diameter, they were treated for 21 days with diltiazem 2% (positive control), placebo, and Z. multiflora emulsions and nanoemulsions at 2% and 4%, respectively. Macroscopic parameters of wound area and contraction, as well as pathological factors such as granulation, angiogenesis, epithelialization, collagen organization, bacterial colony, inflammation, creatine and epidermal thickness, hair follicles, and lymphatic ducts, were examined.

Results: The mean wound size and contraction of the placebo group differed significantly from the other groups on all days, and on some days, the results indicated more favorable effects of nanoemulsions than Diltiazem. Based on the microscopic findings, the average scores on the seventh day were nearly different (P= 0.051); however, all groups scored higher than the placebo group. On the 21^st day, the best results were related to the 4% Nanoemulsion (242.5), 2% Nanoemulsion (159.4), and 4% emulsion (159.3), followed by diltiazem (154.60), 2% emulsion (146.5), and placebo (70.7).

Conclusion: Z. multiflora emulsions and nanoemulsions at 2% and 4% could be effective in healing surgical wounds, and the use of 4% Nanoemulsion yields the best results. This is recommended for use in clinical trial studies.