BIOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF DIABETIC WOUND HEALING EFFICACY OF QUERCETIN POWDER VERSUS QUERCETIN NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder often associated with impaired wound healing due to persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and inadequate tissue regeneration. Chronic diabetic wounds, particularly foot ulcers, pose a serious clinical challenge and may lead to infection, prolonged hospitalization, or limb amputation. While quercetin—a natural flavonoid—offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, its clinical potential is limited by poor solubility and low bioavailability. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems offer a promising solution to overcome these limitations.

Objective: This study aimed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of quercetin by formulating quercetin nanoparticles (QNPs) and evaluating their wound healing potential in a diabetic rat model.

Methods: Quercetin nanoparticles were prepared using the solvent evaporation technique. Characterization was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Zeta potential analysis, and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), which confirmed an average particle size of 29 nm and a zeta potential of −30 mV. Diabetes was induced in albino Wistar rats via subcutaneous administration of dexamethasone (10 mg/kg). Animals were assigned to four groups: control, standard treatment, quercetin powder, and QNPs. Full-thickness dorsal wounds (2 cm²) were created and treated topically on days 2, 5, 8, and 11. Healing parameters including epithelialization period, wound contraction, and granulation tissue weight were recorded.

Results: The QNP-treated group showed significantly improved outcomes with a mean epithelialization period of 11 ± 0.65 days, wet granulation tissue weight of 35 ± 0.25 mg, dry weight of 12.48 ± 0.30 mg, and wound contraction exceeding 88% by day 11, outperforming all other groups.

Conclusion: Quercetin nanoparticles demonstrated superior wound healing efficacy in diabetic rats compared to quercetin powder and conventional treatment. These findings support the potential application of QNPs in diabetic wound management, warranting further optimization and clinical investigation.