Comparative Histological and Structural Analysis of Wound Healing with Ehretia laevis Roxb. Tincture Ointment versus Povidone-Iodine Ointment in Wistar Rats

Background: Delayed wound healing remains a significant clinical challenge, driving the search for effective and safe therapeutic agents. Ehretia laevis Roxb. is a medicinal plant traditionally used for various ailments, but its wound-healing properties, particularly in a tincture-ointment formulation, have not been systematically investigated. Aim: Structural analysis of wound healing with Ehretia laevis Roxb. Tincture ointment versus Povidone-iodine ointment in Wistar rats. Methods: An experimental preclinical study was conducted on 12 Wistar rats divided into two groups (n=6 each). A 10 mm diameter full-thickness excision wound was created on the dorsum. Group A received E. laevis tincture ointment, while Group B received povidone-iodine ointment, twice daily for 15 days. Wound contraction was assessed on days 7 and 15. Histopathological evaluation was performed on days 1, 7, and 15 using a semi-quantitative scoring system for granulation tissue, inflammatory infiltrate, collagen fiber orientation, and collagen deposition. Data were analyzed using unpaired t-tests, two-way ANOVA, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The E. laevis group exhibited significantly higher mean wound contraction on day 7 (71.5 ± 2.4% vs. 60.5 ± 1.7%; p < 0.0001) and day 15 (97.5 ± 2.4% vs. 90.3 ± 3.0%; p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Histopathological analysis revealed that E. laevis significantly reduced inflammatory infiltrate (p = 0.045) and promoted early collagen deposition (p = 0.035) by day 7. By day 15, the test group showed significantly superior collagen maturation (p = 0.0037) and orientation (p = 0.014), resulting in significantly higher cumulative healing scores (p = 0.0076). Conclusion: Ehretia laevis tincture ointment demonstrates superior and accelerated wound healing activity compared to povidone-iodine ointment. Its enhanced efficacy, supported by both macroscopic and histological evidence, positions it as a promising novel therapeutic option for wound management and warrants further investigation into its underlying molecular mechanisms.