Topical pomegranate (Punica granatum) extract cream accelerates wound healing by modulating VEGF and IL-10 expression in rats

Wound healing is a complex biological process aimed at restoring the integrity and function of damaged tissues. The demand for effective and aesthetically satisfying wound repair has driven interest in natural therapeutic alternatives to synthetic drugs. Punica granatum (pomegranate) has been reported to possess significant wound healing properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of topical pomegranate extract cream on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in an excision wound model in rats. A post-test-only control group design was used with 48 male Wistar rats divided into 12 treatment groups. VEGF and IL-10 levels were measured on day 3 and day 7 after treatment. Statistical analysis using One-Way ANOVA and Tamhane’s post hoc test showed significant differences in VEGF and IL-10 expression across treatment groups (p = 0.000), with the highest levels observed in the 20% pomegranate cream group on both days (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that topical pomegranate extract cream enhances wound healing by increasing VEGF and IL-10 expression, particularly at the 20% concentration.