Effectiveness of 10% White Turmeric Rhizome (Curcuma zedoaria L.) Gel Extract on Incision Wound Healing in White Rats (Rattus norvegicus L.) Wistar Strain

Abstract

Background: Incision wounds are a common health issue in Indonesia with a high prevalence and potential risk of infection and delayed healing if not properly treated. Modern medications such as bioplacenton are effective, yet accessibility and cost remain major limitations. Indonesia possesses vast potential in medicinal plants, one of which is white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria L.), known to contain curcuminoids, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and essential oils with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that contribute to wound healing. Gel formulation was chosen for its ease of application and rapid skin absorption. However, research on the effectiveness of white turmeric gel extract in wound healing remains limited, hence this study aims to evaluate its potential as an alternative natural-based therapy. Method This experimental study used a post-test with control group design involving 18 male white Wistar strain rats divided into three groups: negative control (gel base), positive control (bioplacenton® gel), and treatment (10% white turmeric gel extract). The parameters observed were wound length and average healing time. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The average wound healing time in the positive control group was 5.5 ± 0.54 days, in the negative control 7.5 ± 1.22 days, and in the treatment group 5.1 ± 1.32 days. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed a significant difference among groups (p = 0.009). Discussion: The effectiveness of 10% white turmeric rhizome extract gel in healing incised wounds is due to its content of secondary metabolites such as curcumin, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which act as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial agents. Conclusion: The 10% white turmeric rhizome gel extract was effective in incision wound healing in white Wistar rats.