The Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on VEGF Gene and Wound Closure Rate in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex physiological process involving angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and the regulation of growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Moringa oleifera Lam., widely cultivated in Indonesia, contains flavonoids, tannins, and saponins with antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising natural wound-healing agent. This true experimental randomized post-test-only control group study used 30 healthy male Rattus norvegicus (10–12 weeks; 250–300 g) divided into five groups: negative control (1% CMC), positive control (10% povidone-iodine), and M. oleifera extract at 5%, 10%, and 15%. The extract, obtained from a commercially available Indonesian Sidomuncul product, was diluted in 1% CMC. A standardized 1cm × 1mm dorsal thigh incision was created under ketamine anesthesia, with daily topical treatment for eight days. VEGF expression was quantified by qRT-PCR, and wound closure measured with a digital caliper. VEGF expression increased in the 5% (2.38 ± 0.34) and 10% (1.45 ± 0.15) extract groups but decreased at 15% (0.71 ± 0.18) compared to the negative control (1.00 ± 0.13), while povidone-iodine yielded the highest expression (12.85 ± 0.20); differences were not statistically significant (p=0.09). Wound closure was greatest in the 15% extract group (2.67 ± 0.71 mm), followed by 10% (2.81 ± 0.79mm) and povidone-iodine (2.82 ± 1.36mm), also without significance (p=0.88). Although M. oleifera exhibited dose-dependent trends in VEGF modulation and wound closure, the effects were not statistically significant, warranting further research with larger sample sizes and mechanistic analyses to identify its optimal therapeutic concentration.