The effects of the topical administration of Pistacia vera oil on the second-degree burn model in rats

Background: the subject of herbal remedy has attracted a lot of attention in common health fields, namely burn wounds. Pistacia vera (P. vera), being from the family of Anacardiaceae, possesses several important pharmacological properties. In this study, we aim at determining the healing effect of P. vera oil (topical administration) on the second-degree burn wound model of rats. Materials and methods: After the induction of the second-degree burn wounds in the anesthetized animals using the hot plate, P. vera ointment was administered topically (5% and 10%) for three weeks in two groups of animals. Other groups were treated with dexpanthenol or base cream for three weeks. Macroscopic and histological assessments were made to analyze the wound healing process. Results: data collected revealed that animals treated with P. vera 10% after 12 days of treatment showed significant repair in comparison with P. vera 5% or dexpanthenol. Moreover, after 22 days of the topical therapy, there was not any scar of wounds on animal skins which were under the treatment of P. vera 10%. Histological assessments showed that treatment with P. vera ointment is accompanied with a normal collagen deposition in the reticular layer as well as repaired epithelium in comparison with the base cream (p<0.01 for P. vera 5% and p<0.001 for P. vera 10%; in both parameters). Conclusion: P. vera topical dosage forms may be effective treatments for the second-degree burn wounds, yet more studies are required to confirm the safety and possible repairing mechanisms.