Abstract

Background: Curcumin is well known in biomedical investigations with an extensive antimicrobial properties and wound repair effect. However, clinical criteria recommend curcumin should be formulated for topical medication. Material and method: In this study, we prepared Ethosomal curcumin (Etho-cur) formulation for wound healing and bacterial flora assessments in treated rats which were subjected to second degree burn under a standard procedure. Results: Applying once daily of Etho-cur (0.2) topically on rat's dorsal for 14 days significantly recovered main aspects of wound repair including re-epithelization (P<0.01), neovascularization (P<0.01), collagen synthesis (P<0.001), granulation tissue formation (P<0.001) compared with control. Considerable wound contraction was occurred by Etho-cur treatment sooner than other groups and after 16 days it was completed with a significant (P<0.001) value. Furthermore, ethosomal formulation of curcumin similar to silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream 1 potentially inhibited (P<0.001) growth of the burn bacterial flora including Pseudomonas aeruginosa as predominant bacteria among experimental isolations during 14 days treatment. Also, antibacterial activity of Etho-cur was estimated approximately 11 more potent than free curcumin in reduction of the burn bacterial flora. Conclusion: Regarding the results, ethosomal curcumin efficiently fights against wound infection and promotes wound repair in burn injuries in rats.