In vivo Performance of a Hydrogel of Tribulus terrestris in Alloxan induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes is one of the most important factors in chronic injuries. The gold standard for treating diabetic foot ulcers includes debridement of wounds, management of all infections, revascularization when indicated, and non-loading of ulcers. Traditionally, the aerial parts of Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) are used in the folklore for the treatment of various kinds of wounds. Materials and Methods: Based on the evaluation of phytochemicals, a hydrogel of the hydroalcoholic and the aqueous of T. terrestris were prepared in this study. It was subjected to evaluation of the different parameters. The hydrogel of hydroalcoholic extract and aqueous extract was brown in color, uniform and non-irritant. It was further evaluated for pH, spreadability and viscosity. Furthermore, the in vivo performance of the hydrogel was evaluated in alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic rats. Results: In excision wound model and incision wound model topical application of 5% hydroalcoholic extract hydrogel in diabetic Wistar albino rat showed remarkable repair effects. It significantly (***p<0.001) enhanced the rate of % wound contraction. It also exhibited significant (***p<0.001) content of hydroxyproline and extremely high tensile strength (***p<0.001) as compared to the diabetic control group. It may be due to enhanced collagen synthesis. The histopathological examination of 5% hydroalcoholic extract hydrogel of T. terrestris L. treated rats showed skin architecture which was comparable to the normal group. The diabetes-induced group rats’ wounds failed to heal even 25 days post the infliction of the wounds. Our model precisely reproduced the pathophysiology of diabetic ulcers and can serve as a valid alternative model for diabetic foot ulcer and to explore new therapies. Conclusion: The results strongly support that the hydrogel of the hydroalcoholic extract of T. terrestris seems to be a novel and promising biomaterial used for wound healing applications.