Effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Artemisia khorassanica on wound healing potential in mice

Artemisia is small plant that grows in many parts of Iran and has been reported to have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Artemisia khorassanica on the wound healing process in rats. Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were allocated into six equal groups (n = 6). All rats were anaesthetised; a 2-cm square, full thickness skin wound was created on their backs and treatments, depending upon treatment group, were applied twice daily: group A-control—no treatment; group B-placebo—Eucerin (delivery vehicle) only; group C-positive placebo—1% phenytoin cream; groups D, E and F—Artemisia cream treatment at concentrations of 10, 20 and 40% by weight, respectively. The edge of the wound was measured every day and the percentage of wound healing was compared. In this study, the mean time to complete healing in groups control and placebo was 21 days, in group positive placebo 19 days, and in groups 10, 20 and 40% ointment 19, 18 and 16 days, respectively. All treatment groups were statistically significantly different when compared with the control groups (P < 0.05). Extracts of Artemisia khorassanica have been shown to improve outcomes in cutaneous wound healing supporting anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.