In Vivo Macroscopic Study of Ziziphus jujuba Extract Ointment in Accelerated Burn Wound Healing in Rats

Abstract

Burns are type of injury that damage the skin which caused by exposure to heat sources that
requiring comprehensive management and potentially leading to high morbidity. Limited
resources and costs often encourage the use of herbal ingridients as an alternative. Ziziphus
jujuba (Chinese date) has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine (TCM) for its healing
property. Ziziphus jujuba contains various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids,
saponins, and tannins that contribute to wound healing through their anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant and regenerative mechanisms. This study aims to test the effectiveness of
Ziziphus jujuba extract ointment on burn wound healing in Rattus norvegicus. Ointment
preparations were made in concentrations of 10 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL, then tested
physically (organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, spreadability). This study used a true
experimental method with a post-test only control group design, involving four treatment
groups, each consisting of six rats with back burns: control (K), MEBO as control positive
(P1), 10 mg/mL Ziziphus jujuba extract ointment (P2), and 20 mg/mL Ziziphus jujuba
extract ointment (P3). The study was conducted 21-day obervation period to evaluate wound
diameter, wound healing percentage, macroscopic and microscopic assesment based on the
modified Nagaoka criteria. The group treated with Ziziphus jujuba ointment 20 mg/mL (P3)
achieved the best healing outcomes, chracterized by faster wound reduction, minimal
adverse local and allergic reactions, and shorter healing period than those observed in the
control and other treatment groups.