Comparison of the histopathological effects of case extract and silver sulfadiazine 1% on second degree burn wound healing in mice

Abstract Background: Myrtle (Myrtus Communis) is an indigenous plant of northern parts of Iran and has been traditionally used for its healing effects on burn wounds. Objective: To compare the histopathological effects of Myrtle extract and 1% silver sulfadiazine on healing of second degree burn wound in rats. Methods: This was an experimental study performed on 100 adult male rats. The rats were divided into 4 groups (25 in each group). Following nesdonal anaesthesia, a second degree burn wound of 4 cm2 was made on back of each rat. Methanolic extract of Myrtle ointment base 1% silver sulfadiazine and normal saline (control group) were used as treatment protocols for burn wounds. Revascularization, number of neutrophils and fibroblasts were parameters studied histopathologically. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, One way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD tests. Findings: Histopathological study was indicative of an increase of 9.87±1.48 in revascularization (p<0.001) in Myrtle extract group which was greater than those in others. There was also a higher number of fibroblasts (23.62±2.2) (p<0.001) in this group. Silver sulfadiazine (1%) was only shown to have increased the number of neutrophils (p<0.001) in epidermis of injured areas of rats. Conclusion: Extract of Myrtus Communis was found to have more healing potential on second-degree burn wound. Faster healing process, less complications and easy availability of Myrtle are among the reasons suggesting more clinical trails using this preparation.