Effectivity of topical mangosteen pericarp extract cream on wound healing in Swiss albino mice

Wound healing is a complex physiological process consisting of four phases: coagulation, inflammation, proliferation and migration, and remodeling, each with distinct characteristics. Studies have suggested that mangosteen pericarp extract (MPE) may accelerate wound healing. However, the mechanism has not been fully understood. This study aims to evaluate the effect of MPE cream in various concentrations in acute wound healing of albino mice, both histologically and macroscopically. Thirty-two healthy female Swiss albino mice, aged 6-9 weeks, weight 20-30 g, were included in this study. The samples were randomly divided into eight groups each consisting of 4 mice. The first four groups were treated with MPE cream 5%, 10%, and 20%, and no medication (control group), respectively, and were sacrificed after three days. The other four groups received the same application and were sacrificed after 8 days. Wound bed diameter was measured and biopsy from the skin lesion was performed for histopathologic examination. Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the diameter of the wound bed and histopathological findings of granulation tissue formation, reepithelialization, and inflammation, with P<0.05 considered as significant. MPE cream significantly improved wound healing by increasing granulation tissue formation, and reepithelialization. In addition, MPE cream application was also shown to decrease the number of inflammatory cells, particularly in 5% and 10% concentrations, both in the 3-day and 8-day groups. MPE cream application can accelerate wound healing and thus can be used in acute wound treatment.