Formulation and Evaluation of Binahong Leaves Extract Gel on Wound Healing of the Palatal Mucosa

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex and integrated process that requires the collective roles of various cells and tissues of the palatal mucosa. During the proliferation phase, the sum of fibroblasts increases in response to damaged oral tissues. Thus, the number of fibroblast cells in the palatal mucosa is a substantial indicator of wound healing. Binahong leaves possess the potential to accelerate wound healing by stimulating fibroblast proliferation. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the effect of Binahong leaves extract (BLE) gel on wound healing of the palatal mucosa by investigating the fibroblast cell count in Wistar rats. This experimental study was carried out in several stages which included the collection and processing of fresh Binahong leaves followed by extraction with 70% ethanol using maceration method. The extract was formulated to be a gel product with a concentration of 3%, 5%, and 7%. BLE gel was administered to Wistar rats which were deliberately injured at the palatal mucosa by excision. Wound healing was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin staining and the number of fibroblast cells was counted. The result of fibroblast proliferation was analyzed by One Way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni’s test with a significance level of 95%. There were significant differences in fibroblast cell proliferation between all test groups except between base gel and Aloclair® gel, base gel and BLE gel 7%, Aloclair® gel and BLE gel 7%, BLE gel 3% and BLE gel 5%. Application of BLE gel 3% promotes better wound healing of the palatal mucosa of Wistar rats.