Evaluation of the effect of locally delivered Portulaca oleracea (purslane) and Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) extract for deep second-degree burns in a rat model

Abstract

URN wounds represent a significant challenge in clinical care, and the search for effective treatments continues to be a priority. This study investigates the wound healing potential of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Portulaca oleracea (purslane) for deep second-degree burns in a rat model. Hydrogel formulations containing fennel or purslane extracts were applied to burn wounds, and their effects on wound closure were evaluated. The results showed that both fennel and purslane treatments significantly accelerated wound healing compared to the silver sulfadiazine and control groups. with fennel demonstrating the most pronounced effects. Fennel-treated wounds exhibited complete re-epithelialization, organized collagen deposition, and minimal inflammation, while purslane-treated wounds showed moderate improvement with partial epithelial regeneration. Meanwhile, silver sulfadiazine treatment resulted in re-epithelialization but did not promote the same level of tissue maturation. These findings highlight fennel and purslane as promising natural alternatives for burn wound management, with fennel showing superior therapeutic effects in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration.