The effects of Capparis ovata seed oil on the healing of traumatic skin wounds

BACKGROUND: Capparis ovata contains alkaloids, lipids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and also is rich in antioxidants. Conventionally, in Turkey, the flower buds, root, bark, and fruits of C. ovata are used for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatism, tonic, and diuretic effects. The aim of this study was to examine the effect on wound healing of C. ovata seed oil (COSO), which is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. METHODS: In the study, 20 Wistar albino female rats were randomly divided into two groups of 10 animals each. A standard full-thickness skin defect was created on the back area of the rats. In both groups, after cleaning the wounds with saline daily, no active substance other than saline was applied to the control group, while 1 cc/day COSO was applied to the wounds of the rats in the study group. On the post-operative 14^th day, the rats were reanesthetized and wound area measurements were made. Then, excision was performed to include 1 cm of intact tissue around the wound, which remained unhealed, and samples were taken for histopathological examination. RESULTS: The changes in wound areas showed that after 14 days, the improvement in the group treated with caper oil (32.78; 95% confidence interval, 17.21–48.36) was significantly higher than that of the control group (65.41; 95% confidence interval, 49.84–80.98) (p=0.009). The histopathological scores showed a significant difference between the groups in respect of epithelial formation, inflammation, and fibrosis development. No epithelial tissue formation was observed in the control group (90%), and more incomplete re-epithelization and focal epidermal hyperplasia were observed in the treatment group (60%). Fibrosis development was mild and weak (70%) in the control group and was evaluated as severe and intense (60%) in the treatment group. Perivascular edema was mild (50%) and vascularity was immature (60% – an indicator of neovascularization) in the treatment group. These histopathological results showed that the treatment group inflammation phase was completed and the proliferation phase started, as well as the effectiveness of the use of caper oil on epithelization, angiogenesis, and fibrosis, which are important histopathological parameters in the evaluation of wound healing compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: From the results of this study, it was concluded that COSO significantly enhances the healing of full-thickness skin wounds and this effect is primarily related to its anti-inflammatory effect.