GC-MS Characterization and Histopathological Evaluation of Wound Healing Following Topical Application of Commiphora Myrrha Essential Oil in a Rabbit Model

Abstract

To assess the effectiveness of Commiphora Myrrha essential oil for topical use, this study was performed using a full-thickness rabbit wound model. Fifty percent of Myrrha essential oil was extracted by steam distillation and analysed via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). Twelve New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups (six rabbits per group): Group I received one-time daily applications of 5% Myrrha essential oil, and Group II received one-time daily applications of distilled water with a control group of six rabbits; both groups had full-thickness longitudinal skin wounds approximately two cm long created symmetrically along both sides of the dorsal midline that were opened once daily for 28 days. Skin biopsies were taken from the same rabbits at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after implementation and prepared for histological examination via Hematoxylin & Eosin and Masson’s Trichrome to evaluate inflammatory response, reepithelization and collagen organization at time of biopsy. While the results of the study (33 compounds identified) were formulated based on results from the gas chromotography-mass spectrometer (HMF at 42.42% and quinic acid at 19.14%) these details were not included in the abstract of the study which provides an overview of the study's findings. The group treated with Myrrh showed significant improvements in healing of wounds versus the control group. Loss of inflammatory cells in the tissue and presence of sero-cellular crusts were noted at days 3-7 after injury. By day 7-14, improved epithelial migration and reorganization of the dermis were observed. Complete re-epithelialization and re-organization of collagen bundles occurred at day 28 in the Myrrh group; however, collagen was immature and there were still inflammatory cells present in the control group. The study concluded that topical Commiphora myrrha (Myrrh) enhances healing of cutaneous wounds by promoting resolution of inflammation, stimulating fibroblast production, and accelerating maturity of collagen. These results indicate that myrrh could have a therapeutic role in increasing both rate and quality of repair of skin tissues.