THE EFFECT OF 5%, 12.5%, 20% IRONWOOD (Eusideroxylon zwageri) STEM BARK EXTRACT GEL ON NEUTROPHIL COUNTS

Abstract

Background: The stem bark extract of ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri) contains phenolic compounds, proanthocyanidins, and flavonoids. It exhibits therapeutic potential in supporting wound healing through immunomodulatory mechanisms and acceleration of inflammation resolution. Purpose: To determine the effect of 5%, 12.5%, 20% ironwood stem bark extract gel on neutrophil counts in the buccal mucosa incision wounds of male wistar rats. Methods: This experimental study utilized a posttest-only control group design with 12 treatment groups. The groups received topical applications of gel formulations containing 5%, 12.5%, and 20% ironwood stem bark extract gel, along with gel base as a negative control. Each treatment group was euthanized at 6, 24, and 72 hours. Neutrophil counts were quantified and analyzed to evaluate the effects of ironwood stem bark extract gel on wound healing progression. Result: Two-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of both treatment and time (p < 0.05). Bonferroni post hoc analysis demonstrated: (1) all treatment groups exhibited significant differences between 24 vs. 6 hours and 72 vs. 24 hours; (2) the 5%, 12.5%, and 20% concentration significantly differed from the control at both 6 and 24 hours; and (3) the 20% concentration group remained significantly different from the control at 72 hours. Conclusion: The 20% ironwood stem bark extract gel significantly increased neutrophil counts at 6 and 24 hours and decreased them at 72 hours compared to the 12.5%, 5%, and control groups.