Abstract
When wounds are made, the skin and underlying tissues are damaged and provide an entry point for bacteria and other pathogens. Wound healing is essential for tissue repair and recovery. This study evaluated the wound-healing potential of a novel hydrogel dressing made from PVA/Pectin/Gelatin combined with Bergenia ciliata rhizome extract using an APTES crosslinker. Sixteen Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups: BC0 (control/untreated), BC1 (hydrogel with 100 µl of extract), BC2 (hydrogel with 300 µl of extract) and BC3 (hydrogel only). Full thickness 5 mm wounds were created and body weight, feed intake and wound size were measured on days 3, 6, 9, 12 and 14. The wound contraction was highest in BC2 (99%), followed by BC1 (97%), BC3 (73%), and BC0 (59%). Blood tests indicated no adverse effects. Histological examination showed improved epidermal growth, blood vessels, follicles and glands in treated groups.