Comparative effects of aloe vera and its combination with silver sulfadiazine on incision wound healing in Wistar rats

Background and objectives. Aloe vera (AV) has been reported to stimulate cellular proliferation and accelerate wound healing. Silver sulfadiazine (SS) is an antimicrobial widely used in burn wound management. This study aimed to compare the effects of topical AV and the combination of AV and SS on polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs), fibroblast counts, and granulation tissue thickness during incision wound healing in Wistar rats. Materials and methods. This experimental posttest-only control group study involved 27 male Wistar rats divided into three groups: AV + SS, AV alone, and untreated control (n = 9 per group). Open incision wounds (3 cm × 5 mm) were created on the dorsum. Treatments were applied once daily. On days 0, 6, and 14, three rats per group were sacrificed for histopathological evaluation. Sample size was calculated using Federer’s formula to ensure statistical adequacy. Results. The AV + SS group demonstrated significantly higher PMN counts (day 6 mean: 147.33 ± 19.40; p = 0.039), fibroblast counts (day 14 mean: 66.00 ± 5.00; p = 0.027), and granulation tissue thickness (day 14 mean: 3.67 ± 0.24; p = 0.044) compared to AV alone and control groups. Conclusions. The combination of AV and SS enhanced inflammatory cell recruitment, fibroblast proliferation, and granulation formation more effectively than AV alone, indicating potential clinical benefits for wound management protocols.