Effect of Allium tuncelianum on wound healing in rats and phytochemical analysis

Allium tuncelianum (A. tuncelianum), an endemic species of Türkiye, is traditionally used as a wound-healing agent; however, this application lacks scientific validation. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition of A. tuncelianum extracts and evaluate their therapeutic effects on full-thickness skin wounds in rats using macroscopic, pathological, and molecular methods. Extracts were obtained using n-hexane and methanol, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis was performed to identify bioactive components. Thirty-two Wistar rats were assigned to four groups (Control, Vaseline, Madecassol, and A. tuncelianum extract (AT) at 2% w/w); two 20 mm full- thickness wounds were created on the dorsum of each rat and monitored for 18 d. Healing was assessed via macroscopic measurements, histopathological scoring (inflammation, fibroblast proliferation, neovascularization, collagen deposition, and epithelialization), and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF–α, IL–6, and IL–8). Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis identified oleic acid (53.40%) and linoleic acid (15.59%) as the predominant fatty acids in the methanol extract. Wound healing rates in the AT group were significantly greater than those in the Control and Vaseline groups (P<0.01; η² = 0.896), with healing comparable to Madecassol. Histopathological analysis confirmed earlier inflammation regression and accelerated fibroblast activation, neovascularization, and epithelialization in the AT group (P<0.001). A significant, time-dependent downregulation of TNF–α, IL–6, and IL–8 was observed in the AT and Madecassol groups relative to the Control and Vaseline groups (P<0.001). Overall, A. tuncelianum extract demonstrates significant wound-healing potential, scientifically validating its traditional use with an efficacy profile closely comparable to a synthetic standard. Higher concentrations should be investigated to determine the optimal therapeutic dose.