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Abstract: Liquorice root extract (LE) has been used from long ago as an effective medication, especially in gastric ulcer. In this study, the healing potential of aqueous LE on dermal wounds was evaluated. The study was carried out on 45 male Spragne-Dawly rats. Two uniform 7mm-diameter skin defects were created on the back of each animal by 7mm skin punch (total of 90 wounds). LE was applied once daily on half of the wounds for 7 days, after which the animals were sacrificed for histopathological, biochemical (hydroxyproline content) and biomechanical studies. The ultimate surface area of the wounds was also measured. LE caused a significant increase in the number of fibroblasts and capillary buds, collagen contents and tensile strength of the wounds. The wound surface area in the treatment group was also significantly less than the control group. It can be concluded that LE is an effective herbal remedy in wound healing.
Key words: liquorice root extract, skin wound healing.