The effect of topical 0.5% humic acid gel on male rats with skin ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Humic derivatives have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the experimental wound-healing effect of 0.5% humic acid gel.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A full-thickness skin wound was created on the dorsal side of 24 Sprague Dawley male rats (220-250 g). The animals were then randomly divided into the control, sham, and experimental groups. Skin wounds were bandaged daily using sterile gauze dipped in normal saline, carboxymethylcellulose, and 0.5% humic acid for 21 days. The wound-healing rate was evaluated grossly and histologically at various time intervals post-injury.

RESULTS: Wound-healing percentage was significantly higher in the gel treatment group at all time points ( P < 0.05). The mean number of inflammatory cells was significantly lower in the humic acid gel group than in the other groups ( P < 0.001). Moreover, the number of new vascular cells and fibroblasts were significantly increased in the humic acid gel compared to the control ( P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: These data confirmed that 0.5% humic acid gel accelerates wound healing, probably by anti-inflammatory effects, as well as by promoting vascular and fibroblast proliferation. Therefore, the humic acid gel may be used to improve wound care.