Abstract
BACKGROUND: Severe burn damage and its consequences are life threatening which can complicate patients' health. Medicinal and traditional plants are considered as safe, natural and inexpensive source of treatment for wide variety of diseases. This study assessed beneficial effect of Pistacia atlantica oil on rats burn wound healing and its potential effects on malondialdehyde (MDA), vasculoendothelial growth factor (VEGF), hydroxyprolin and antioxidant status in wound area. METHODS: Thirty male rats weighing 200±10 g were randomly divided into three groups (n=10) as follows. Group 1 underwent just burn injury, Group 2 underwent burn injury and received 150 mg/kg/day P. atlantica oil topically, and Group 3 underwent burn injury and received 150 mg/kg/day sulfadiazine cream topically. At the end of the study (day 14), wounded areas were measured and then skin in the burn damage were dissected and anti-oxidative parameter, MDA, VEGF and hydroxyprolin were evaluated. RESULTS: P. Atlantica oil significantly increased antioxidant defense, VEGF, hydroxyprolin and reduced MDA levels. It could remarkably reduce wound size compared to burn control group. P. Atlantica oil showed more beneficial effects than sulfadiazine. CONCLUSION: P. atlantica resin oil could be considered as a new therapeutic agent for treatment of injuries.