Abstract

Commiphora swynnertonii (Burceraceae) is commonly used for the treatment of various ailments, including arthritis, wounds, and skin conditions. In this study, the effects of various formulations of the tree resin on wound healing were evaluated in rats through skin contracture and histological changes. Body weights were also monitored during the experiments. Tree resins were prepared at 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 30% v/v concentrations to create various formulations of two products, namely wound gel and wound spray. The formulations were applied on wounds cut on rats' skins at cervical regions and monitored for 34 days. Wound contraction diameters were measured in millimeters, and fibrous tissue formation was assessed under the microscope. Both formulations sped up wound healing by contractions and fibroblast migration in dose-dependent manners, with (R2 = 95.6; P <0.01) for spray and (R2 = 69.7; P<0.05) for the gels. This study indicates that wound spray and gel formulations from the plant resin accelerate wound healing without affecting weight.

Key words: Commiphora swynnertonii, resin, wound healing activity, rats.