Molecular Investigation of the Effect of Black Fig ( Ficus carica ) Leaf Extract on Healing in Punch Biopsy Wound Model

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of black fig (Ficus carica) leaf extract on the skin wound healing process. In the survey, Wistar albino female rats with skin wounds on their backs according to the circular excisional wound model were divided into three groups: control, cold cream, and 5% black fig leaf cream. Following wound formation, tissue samples were collected from each group for analysis on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days. Inflammatory cell density, bleeding, fibroblast proliferation, epithelialization, and collagen formation in the collected wound tissues were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining; VEGF and COL I gene and protein expression levels involved in the wound healing process were determined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analysis. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that high re-epithelialization, fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis development, and collagen formation were observed in the FCC group compared to the C and CC groups. At the end of the study, the positive effect of black fig leaf on wound healing was also shown genetically and histopathologically. Further studies are needed to explore the potential of black fig leaves as a therapeutic drug for the treatment of skin wounds.