Effect of cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum burmannii) extract cream on IL-6 and SOD Expression in a rat excision wound model

Wound healing is a complex biological process that restores tissue integrity, and disruption of this process can impair aesthetic appearance and cause psychological distress. Herbal agents such as cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum burmannii), known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, have potential to accelerate wound repair. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cinnamon bark extract cream on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in rats with excision wounds. An experimental post-test only control group design was conducted using 24 male Wistar rats divided into four groups: normal rats (K1), excision wounds treated with povidone-iodine (K2), excision wounds treated with 4% cinnamon bark extract cream (K3), and excision wounds treated with 8% cinnamon bark extract cream (K4). Treatments were given for seven days, and on day eight, skin tissue samples were analyzed for IL-6 and SOD levels using the ELISA method. One-way ANOVA followed by LSD post hoc tests showed significant differences in SOD levels among groups (p = 0.001), with the 8% cinnamon bark extract cream group (43.01 ± 5.92 ng/L) demonstrating significantly higher levels compared to other groups. In contrast, IL-6 levels showed no significant differences between groups (p = 0.339). however, exploratory comparison suggested that the 4% cream group had the lowest mean IL-6 value (4.10 ± 1.36 ng/L) compared to povidone-iodine (4.74 ± 0.60 ng/L). Although confidence intervals crossed zero, the analysis indicated a small to moderate effect size (partial ?² = 0.185), suggesting treatment-related variability and a possible trend toward reduced inflammation in the 4% cream group. These findings suggest that topical administration of 8% cinnamon bark extract cream enhances antioxidant activity by increasing SOD levels in skin tissue after excision wounds, while the 4% cream may modestly attenuate IL-6, although further confirmatory studies are required.