Therapeutic Effects of Spirulina Hydrogel on Ischemic Wound Healing in Diabetic Rat Models
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22317/jcms.v12i4.2213Keywords:
Diabetes Mellitus, Ischemia, Staphylococcus aureus, Infection, SpirulinaAbstract
Objectives: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are the most financially burdensome and complicated challenge for those suffering from diabetes. Spirulina platensis (SP), which is an algae consumed as a dietary supplement, is widely acknowledged for its effectiveness as a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, and anti-cancer substance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of applying spirulina hydrogel 2% (SPH 2%) topically on the healing process in a rat model of ischemic diabetic wounds.
Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were rendered diabetic using streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p.) and randomly allocated to three groups: Control, CMC, which received carboxymethyl cellulose and SPH 2% which received a hydrogel containing 2% spirulina. During the study, 12 animals died, leaving six surviving animals per group for the final analysis. Each rat underwent formation of an ischemic wound at the center of a bipedicle flap. SPH 2% treatment was administered daily. Wound closure was assessed on days 0, 4, 8, and 16; microbial proliferation was assessed on days 8 and 16; and wound strength and stereological parameters were evaluated on day 16.
Results: Wound closure was significantly higher in the SPIRULINA group than in the CONTROL and CMC groups on days 8 and 16 (adjusted P < 0.0001), with a significant group × time interaction (P < 0.0001). Staphylococcus aureus counts were significantly lower in the SPIRULINA group on days 8 and 16 (adjusted P < 0.0001), with a significant group × time interaction (P = 0.0157). SPIRULINA also showed significantly greater wound mechanical strength and improved histological parameters, including reduced neutrophil, macrophage, and inflammatory cell counts and increased fibroblast numbers and vascular length, compared with CONTROL and CMC.
Conclusion: SPH 2% exhibits bio-stimulatory and antibacterial properties that positively influence the healing of slow-healing wounds in a preclinical diabetic rat model. These findings suggest promising therapeutic potential, though further mechanistic, dose–response, safety, and translational studies are required before clinical recommendations can be made.
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