Althaea officinalis improves wound healing in rats: a stereological study

Althaea officinalis (AO) is reported to have the ability to activate fibroblasts as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Herein, we investigated the effects of this herbal medicine on wound healing in rat models by using stereological methods. In this experiment, 48 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups randomly (n = 12): the control group with no treatment, the gel-base treated group, 5% and 10% AO-gel treated groups. The treatments were administered every 24 hours. Wound closure rate, volume densities of collagen bundles, hair follicles, and vessels, vessel's length density and mean diameter, and fibroblast populations were estimated. Fibroblast populations, hair follicles, and mean diameter of vessels in the dermis of AO-treated groups were noticeably higher than those of control and base groups. Also, collagen bundles synthesis was significantly higher in the AO10%-treated group compared to the control and base groups. According to our research and previous studies, AO has the potential to be considered as an alternative medicine in wound healing treatment; however, further clinical investigations are suggested.