Comprehensive Evaluation of Vacrol Oil Combination in Experimental Wound Healing: From Phytochemical Analysis to Functional and Structural Repair

Wound healing is a complex biological process involving overlapping phases of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Plant-derived agents have gained attention as alternatives or adjuncts to synthetic drugs owing to their accessibility and favorable safety profile. This study evaluated the wound-healing activity of Vacrol Oil Combination (<i>VOC</i>), a phytotherapeutic preparation, through in vivo wound models and in vitro enzyme inhibition assays. Linear incision wounds in rats and circular excision wounds in mice were treated with <i>VOC</i>, administered orally, topically, or in combination for 10 days. Experimental groups included a negative control (no treatment), a vehicle control (olive oil), <i>VOC</i>-treated groups, and a reference group treated with 0.2% nitrofurazone. Wound contraction, tensile strength, histopathology, and hydroxyproline levels were assessed. In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of <i>VOC</i> on hyaluronidase, collagenase, and elastase. VEGF and TGF-β1 levels were measured to assess the involvement of growth factors in the healing process. The chemical composition of <i>VOC</i> was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified carvacrol as the major compound, together with 1,8-cineole, linalool, eugenol, and cinnamaldehyde as prominent constituents known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. <i>VOC</i> treatment significantly enhanced wound contraction and tensile strength compared to controls, with the oral + topical group showing the highest efficacy. Hydroxyproline levels and histological findings confirmed improved collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration. GC-MS analysis identified carvacrol as the major constituent of <i>VOC</i>, along with eugenol and linalool, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Furthermore, <i>VOC</i> increased tissue levels of VEGF and TGF-β1, suggesting a role in stimulating angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. These findings indicate that the phytoconstituents of <i>VOC</i>, particularly carvacrol and oxygenated terpenes, act synergistically to promote wound repair. <i>VOC</i> demonstrates strong potential as a complementary phytotherapeutic agent for wound management, warranting further clinical investigation.