Paramedical Sciences and Military Health

Introduction: Skin serves as the primary barrier against dehydration, chemical injury, and microbial invasion. A wound is defined as any disruption in the skin's structural and functional integrity. Wheat germ is a rich source of biologically active compounds such as tocopherols, phytosterols, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. This study aimed to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of wheat germ on the wound healing in Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of 10 including control group (no treatment), 10% wheat germ extract ointment, 20% wheat germ extract ointment, and tetracycline ointment. A full-thickness circular wound (6 mm in diameter) was created dorsally between the scapulae. Treatments were applied topically once daily for 21 days. Wound area was evaluated on days 7, 14, and 21 using ImageJ software. Histological assessments—including epidermal thickness and scar height index—were performed on tissue samples stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Data were analyzed through one-way ANOVA and Tukey test among groups and independent t-tests was used among two treatment groups using SPSS software (p<0.05 was considered significant).

Results: The 20% wheat germ extract group showed a significantly greater increase in epidermal thickness(0.001 P≤) and it indicated a significant reduction in scar height index (0.001 P≤) compared with the control, tetracycline, and also 10% wheat germ groups. Additionally, wound healing percentage was significantly higher in the 20% extract group by day 21 compared with groups (0.01 P≤).

Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of wheat germ, particularly at 20% concentration, can effectively enhances wound healing by promoting epidermal regeneration and reducing scar formation. These findings support its potential as a natural, low-cost, and safe topical agent for wound management.