The Impact of Argan Oil and Polyhexanide on Healing Wounds with Tissue Loss Infected by Staphylococcus aureus in Mice

Background: One of the most important complications of the wound is tissue infection. One of the most common causes of tissue infections is microorganisms such as Staphylococcus. This research investigates the impact of argan oil and polyhexanide on the healing process in wounds with tissue loss infected with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Methods: The study involved 45 male mice, with 10 mm skin incisions made on their backs under general anaesthesia to create wounds. After 24 hours, an S. aureus (ATCC) suspension was applied to the scars. Wound cultures were collected from each mouse 48 hours later and this was repeated every 48 hours until cultures confirmed S. aureus infection. Treatment commenced once S. aureus growth was detected. The mice were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group (wound created, but no treatment applied), an argan group (1 mL of argan oil administered to the wound via syringe), and a polyhexanide group (1 mL of polyhexanide administered similarly). The wound diameters and clinical symptoms were monitored daily. On the 7th and 14th days, tissue samples were taken from the sacrificed mice for histopathological examination. Result: Based on clinical and histopathological observations, both argan oil and polyhexanide were found to be effective in treating S. aureus-infected wounds with tissue loss in mice. However, argan oil demonstrated a superior therapeutic potential compared to polyhexanide.