The Effect of Collagen-Propolis-Eucalyptus Hydrogel in Wound Healing: An In Vivo Study (Rat Model)

A skin injury could cause serious damage, as it is the outermost layer. Treatment can heal superficial injuries perfectly, but deep wounds can barely heal it. A wound not treated correctly can lead to severe health problems and even death.

This study aims to investigate the role of collagen-propolis-eucalyptus hydrogel in wound healing in rats.

Collagen solution was prepared, and then the extract of propolis and eucalyptus was prepared. Four groups (collagen-propolis-eucalyptus, collagen-eucalyptus, collagen-propolis hydrogels and control groups) were prepared, and their biocompatibility was evaluated by the MTT test assay; Then the anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was evaluated. The animal test was investigated during 7, 14 and 21 days by histopathology.

The MTT test did not show significant cell cytotoxicity, and the percentage of cell survival was more than 90% for 24, 48 and 72 h. The effect of the anti-bacterial hydrogel collagen-propolis-eucalyptus group compared to the collagen-eucalyptus and collagen-propolis groups was much higher. The percentage of wound contraction was recorded in the collagen-propolis-eucalyptus group and it increased in all the groups over time. The results showed that the percentage of wound contraction and repair was significant in the macroscopic and microscopic evaluations.

The results showed the effectiveness of natural hydrogel in increasing the healing process of the wound, and it is possible to use this hydrogel natural collagen-eucalyptus-propolis as a suitable option because of its accessibility and low cost.