Efficacy of Quercetin on rat eyelid wound healing, a randomized, sham-controlled double-blind study

Abstract Introduction: Although quercetin has been found to be useful in the treatment of pressure wounds due to its ability to reduce oxygen radicals, its effect on healing wounds on the eyelids is not clear. Objective To investigate the effect of quercetin on eyelid wound healing. Method and Materials: Forty male Wistar Albino Rats weighing 250–300 grams were used. Four groups were created. Control Group (n = 10), Sham Group (n = 10), Incision Wound Group (n = 10), and Suture + Quercetin Group (n = 10). Full-thickness skin excision was performed through a 3–5 mm incision in the superior palpebrae to create a wound. On the 3rd day and (n = 5) on the 7th day, they were sacrificed, and blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture for biochemical measurement and tissue samples for histopathological examination from the palpebrae. Results Inflammatory cells in the Quercetin Group were significantly lower in 3. Day (p < 0.05). Blood levels of IL-1 and TNF-alfa were significantly lower in the Quercetin Group (p < 0.05) when compared with other groups. The Quercetin Group is as influential as the sham group at 3. Day for collagen formation and hydroxyproline value is significantly higher. Total oxidant status levels were lower in the Quercetin group than in the Sham group (p = 0.005). Conclusions Quercetin was found to be anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and these properties can lead to decrease in wound healing time. Also, Quercetin healed wounds and scavenged free radicals effectively.