Wound healing potential of Canarium luzonicum in rats: Role of caspase-3 modulation

Introduction: The process of wound healing is intricate and includes tissue remodelling, cell proliferation, and inflammation. Elemi essential oil (EEO) from Canarium luzonicum exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, yet its wound-healing efficacy in vivo remains untested. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of EEO in promoting wound healing in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were assigned to EEO-treated (10% w/w), reference-treated (1% silver sulfadiazine), and control (soft paraffin) groups (n=6 each). Full-thickness dorsal wounds (2 cm) were created. Wound contraction was monitored on days 1, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 21. Serum interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and CD68 were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Tissue reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were assessed. Histopathology and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry (IHC) were also performed. Results: EEO accelerated wound closure, achieving complete healing by day 16 (P<0.001). IL-1β and TNF-α levels were reduced in EEO-treated rats (658.3 ± 52.3 pg/mg; 333.3±24.72 pg/mg) compared with the control (983.2 ± 60.2 pg/mg; 650 ± 42.82 pg/mg; P<0.001) and reference (841.7 ± 32.7 pg/mg; 466.7 ± 33.3 pg/mg; P<0.01). CD68 decreased significantly (16.8 ± 0.9 ng/dl; P<0.001 vs. control). EEO enhanced GSH and SOD and reduced ROS and MDA (P<0.01). Histology showed improved re-epithelialization, granulation, and angiogenesis. Caspase-3 staining indicated controlled apoptosis. Conclusion: EEO significantly enhances wound healing, possibly by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, thereby surpassing the efficacy of conventional therapy.