Therapeutic potential applications of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Cucurbita maxima for wound healing in diabetic male albino rats

Abstract

Objectives: A diabetic ulcer, or delayed wound recovery, is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), with its prevalence having risen steadily in recent decades. With the advancement of technology, nanoparticles have been used to treat wounds. Nanoparticles derived from pumpkin leaves (CmAgNPs) are abundant in antioxidants and vitamins and possess antimicrobial and antiviral properties. This study highlighted the effectiveness of CmAgNPs in accelerating wound healing.
Methods: Twenty-four male albino rats with partial-thickness wounds were assigned to four groups: the control group (NN), the untreated diabetes group (DN), the diabetic group treated with (CmAgNPs), and the group treated with silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream. Morphological, histopathological, and physiological assessments of inflammation were conducted on all rats at 0-, 7-, 14-, and 21-days post-treatment.
Results: On days 0, 7, 14, and 21, histological examination was conducted. Also, the activities of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed. Histological analysis demonstrated that CmAgNPs significantly increased collagen content in the wound tissue and facilitated re-epithelialization. On days 7, 14, and 21, the group treated with CmAgNPs exhibited higher GSH levels compared to the DN and SSD groups. However, CmAgNPs did not have a significant effect on SOD levels.
Conclusion: By stimulating re-epithelialization and collagen synthesis, (Cucurbita maxima) demonstrated superior efficacy in treating diabetic wound compared to silver sulfadiazine ointment.