Impact of Moringa oleifera Hydro-Alcoholic Bark Extract on Diabetic Wound Healing: A Topical Approach

Purpose The current study was aimed to evaluate the potential of Moringa oleifera against diabetic foot ulcer, where the wound healing is impaired and susceptible to infection. Methods The effects of M. oleifera hydroalcoholic bark extract (MOHE) on different parameters influencing diabetic wound healing were comprehensively investigated including: anti-inflammatory effects, antibacterial properties, antioxidant activity, anti-diabetic properties, and fibroblast proliferation and migration. Furthermore, in vivo studies were conducted in diabetic rats and Zebrafish to investigate the topical effects of MOHE on wound healing. Results The findings of this study demonstrated that MOHE has strong anti-diabetic effect, including a significant inhibition of α-amylase activity (IC50 = 0.043 mg/mL) and 2.92-fold increase in 2-NBDG uptake in McCoy cells. MOHE demonstrated considerable antioxidant activity, inhibiting DPPH (IC50: 0.046 mg/mL) and ABTS (IC50: 0.04 mg/mL) free radicals. In in vitro wound healing studies employing MOHE revealed a significant increase in McCoy fibroblast proliferation (148.83%) and improved migration, resulting in a wound closure rate of 46.3%. MOHE exhibited significant antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria species. It efficiently reduced heat-induced RBC hemolysis, with anti-inflammatory effect of 73% at 0.2 mg/mL. Furthermore, MOHE demonstrated better results in the treatment of diabetic wounds in Wistar rats and fin regeneration in Zebra fish compared to Calendula cream. Conclusion This evidence based pharmacological study highlights the promising potential of MOHE in facilitating the healing of diabetic wounds, offering a topical approach to address this challenging healthcare issue.