Evaluation of the Wheat Germ Oil Topical Formulations for Wound Healing Activity in Rats

Pak J Biol Sci. 2021 Jan;24(6):706-715. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2021.706.715.

Abstract

Wheat Germ Oil (WGO), the flour-milling by-product of wheat has essential constituents for skin health care as vitamin E, B-complex, squalene and unsaturated fatty acids. Incorporate WGO into polymers of the cream and ointment bases and evaluate the wound healing potential of these WGO formulations in the rat-animal model. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> WGO creams and ointments were prepared in two concentrations, 10 and 20% and evaluated for storage stability, homogeneity and compatibility using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry. An amount of 0.5 g of the WGO formulations was applied daily to the injured area of the rats back. Wounds were observed for any clinical changes and healing compared to the control animal group. <b>Results:</b> The WGO was compatible with the cream and ointment bases and physically stables over 60 days of storage. The formulations of WGO have induced dose-dependent wound healing properties however the ointment formulations were demonstrating wound healing activity significantly better than the creams at all the intervals of the treatment. Within three weeks, 20% WGO ointment has induced a 90%reduction in the wound size diameter. Also, wounds recovered by 50% in 10 and 14 days of treatment with 20% WGO ointment and cream, respectively. <b>Conclusion:</b> The results revealed that WGO is a potential wound-healing agent from the scope that WGO is a common cosmetic ingredient and available at affordable prices.

Keywords: Wheat germ oil (WGO); burns; phytosterols; tissue Rich-collagen; wheat germ oil creams; wheat germ oil ointments; wound healing; wound size reduction.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Stability
  • Male
  • Ointments
  • Plant Oils / administration & dosage*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Skin / injuries
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Cream
  • Time Factors
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*
  • Wounds, Penetrating / drug therapy*
  • Wounds, Penetrating / pathology

Substances

  • Ointments
  • Plant Oils
  • wheat germ oil