VEGF Expression in the Wound Healing Process of Hyperglycemic Wistar Rats After Administration of Roselle Flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Extract: An In Vivo Experimental Laboratory Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64149/J.Ver.8.19s.140-144Keywords:
Roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa, VEGF, Angiogenesis, Wound Healing, Hyperglycemia.Abstract
Background: Wound healing is a complex process significantly impaired by hyperglycemia, primarily due to disruption of angiogenesis mediated by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flower extract, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, holds potential as a phytotherapy agent to support wound recovery. This study aimed to analyze the effect of Roselle extract administration on VEGF expression during incision wound healing in Wistar rats under acute hyperglycemic conditions.
Methods: An experimental study was conducted using Wistar rats induced with acute hyperglycemia. Rats were divided into control groups (hyperglycemic without extract), normoglycemic groups with extract, and hyperglycemic groups with Roselle extract (K3). An incision wound was created, and the extract was administered. VEGF expression in the wound tissue was measured on days 3 and 7 post-incision using immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Results: Roselle extract administration significantly increased VEGF expression on day 7 post-incision, coinciding with the proliferative phase. The hyperglycemic group treated with Roselle extract (K3) showed a statistically higher mean VEGF expression compared to the hyperglycemic control group (K1). This finding indicates that Roselle extract effectively mitigates the angiogenic impairment caused by acute hyperglycemia. The bioactive compounds in Roselle are thought to stimulate the HIF-1$\alpha$ – VEGF pathway and reduce oxidative stress, creating a conducive environment for tissue regeneration.
Conclusion: Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flower extract is effective in enhancing VEGF expression during the incision wound healing process in Wistar rats, especially under acute hyperglycemic conditions. Roselle has significant potential to be developed as a herbal-based adjuvant therapy to accelerate wound healing, particularly in patients with metabolic disorders.
