Evaluation of the Wound Healing Effect of Topical and Oral Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Oil on Burn Wound in an Animal Model

Background: Burn injuries cause substantial morbidity due to inflammation, infection, and delayed healing. Although silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is widely used for partial-thickness burns, its drawbacks and the lack of a universal standard highlight the need for alternatives. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pro-healing effects, and may also improve glycemic control—an added benefit for patients with metabolic impairment. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the wound-healing efficacy of topical and oral fenugreek seed oil with SSD in Wistar rats with partial-thickness burns. Primary objectives included assessing wound contraction and histopathological healing. Secondary objectives included evaluating fasting blood glucose levels to determine systemic effects. Methodology: Thirty healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6): control (saline), SSD 0.01% ointment, topical fenugreek oil, oral fenugreek oil (1 ml/kg/day), and combined topical plus oral fenugreek oil. Partial-thickness burns were created using a molten-wax model. Treatments were given twice daily for 21 days or until full epithelialization. Wound area was measured on days 4, 9, 14, 18, and 21 to determine contraction. Fasting glucose was assessed on days 1 and 21. Histology evaluated angiogenesis, inflammation, collagen formation, and epithelial repair. Results: All groups showed progressive wound contraction, with Groups C (topical fenugreek), D (oral fenugreek), and E (combined therapy) demonstrating significantly faster healing (p<0.001 from day 14). Group E achieved complete wound healing in all animals by day 21. Blood glucose levels significantly decreased in Groups A, B, D, and E (p<0.05), with the greatest reductions in D and E. Histopathology confirmed reduced inflammation, organized collagen, and complete epithelial regeneration in Groups C, D, and E, with Group E showing the most consistent results. Conclusion: Fenugreek seed oil, particularly when administered both topically and orally, significantly improved wound contraction, histological healing, and glycemic control in partial-thickness burn injuries in rats. These findings support its potential as a multifunctional adjunct or alternative to SSD, especially in patients with metabolic disorders. Further clinical studies are recommended to validate efficacy, optimize dosing, and ensure safety in human burn management.