Quercetin Extracted from Trifolium Alexandrinum Enhances wound healing in 1 Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic rats through Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects

Background: Diabetes-induced abnormal wound healing stimulates the generation of inflammatory mediators, including reactive oxygen species. Objective: Our study aimed to examine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin extracted from Trifolium alexandrinum (TA) on enhancing wound healing in diabetic rats. Methods: Seventy-five male Wistar albino rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: Gp1 (control wounded nondiabetic group), Gp2 (untreated wounded diabetic group), Gp3 (diabetic wounds treated with quercetin-loaded nanoparticles (Q-LNs) group), Gp4 (wounded diabetic rats treated with quercetin (Q) group) and Gp5 (wounded diabetic rats treated with TA extract group). Key findings: The wounded diabetic rats were treated orally and topically with Q-LNs, Q and TA extract at doses of 50 mg/kg BW, 50 mg/kg BW and 200 mg/kg BW, respectively, for 15 days. The wound closure percent was calculated on the 5th, 10th and 15th days and was noticeably increased as a result of topical and oral treatment of wounded diabetic rats with Q-LNs, Q and TA. The elevated blood glucose and the reduced serum insulin levels were significantly improved in treated wounded diabetic rats. Oxidative stress markers were improved. The increased levels of cytokines, as well as MIF, were decreased in treated wounded diabetic rats, while the decreased levels of TGF-β and hexosamine were enhanced. Histological examination showed marked amelioration in the treated wounded skin. Conclusion: It can be concluded that treatment with Q-LNs, Q and TA extract improved the diabetic state, cytokines involved in inflammation and the antioxidant defense system and may play essential roles in promoting the wound healing process.