Veratric acid and zinc: a synergistic approach to accelerated wound healing in rats

Veratric acid, a naturally occurring derivative of benzoic acid present in various plants and fruits, has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antihypertensive properties. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of veratric acid (VA) and zinc (ZN) on wound healing in rats, assessing their individual (per se) and combined effects to determine the potential for synergistic healing benefits. In an experimental rat model, key variables, including wound closure rate, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and inflammation, were assessed in the presence or absence of VA and ZN, both individually and in combination. According to the study's findings, the combination of VA and ZN (10% + 10%) significantly enhances wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis, accelerating angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), and reducing inflammation, thereby facilitating wound closure. The combination of veratric acid and zinc further amplified these effects, indicating a potential synergistic interaction between the two compounds. In the treatment groups, hydroxyproline levels and antioxidant parameters-including catalase, superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and glutathione-were significantly restored compared to the diseased control group, showing a recovery pattern similar to that of the standard control group. This study aims to provide the therapeutic potential of veratric acid, zinc, and combinations of both. The combination group shows more promising results as compared to their individual effects, indicating synergistic effects. Our data demonstrated a positive effect of the combination group along with the underlying mechanisms, suggesting its clinical potential for wound-healing applications.