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Updated: Apr 13, 2026
Assessment of Acute Wound Healing using the Dorsal Subcutaneous Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge Implantation and Excisional Tail Skin Wound Models.
Published on: March 25, 2020
D-ribose-L-cysteine supplementation enhances wound healing in a rodent model
1Department of Surgery, OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital, 75 Hospital Drive, Athens, OH 45701, USA.
Background:
Wound healing and chronic wounds are serious public health issues. While wounds heal, cellular stores of antioxidants are depleted. d-ribose-l-cysteine (DRLC) is a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione. The effect of oral supplementation with DRLC on wound healing was studied in rats.
Methods:
A rodent model of calibrated wounding was used. Group A rats were given DLRC for 1 week before wounding and for 3, 7, or 14 days after wounding. Group B rats were given DRLC only after wounding. Control animals were given no supplement. Photographic comparisons were made to study wound edema and inflammation. Wound strength was determined by using a laser-vacuum device.
Results:
During healing, both Group A and B animals showed less edema and inflammation than Control. Group A animals had the weakest wounds at 3 days after surgery, but the strongest wounds after 14 days. Group B animals had similar wound strength to Control animals at 7 days, but stronger wounds after 14 days.
Conclusions:
DRLC supplementation appears to reduce wound inflammation early after wounding and enhance wound strength by 14 days. This suggests that increased intracellular glutathione levels may improve and enhance wound healing.
