TURKISH JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY, cilt.49, sa.4, ss.409-420, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Background/aim: Delayed wound healing in diabetic patients is a significant complication that reduces quality of life, prompting the continuous investigation of new therapeutic agents. This study designed to explore the dose-dependent effects of different parts of Chelidonium majus L. (CM), a medicinal plant traditionally used for skin disorders, on diabetic skin wounds. Materials and methods: In diabetic rats, full-thickness excisional wounds were formed. CM-containing gels (aerial parts at 3%, 6%, 9% and root at 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%) were developed and applied to the wounds. After the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed, and wound healing activity was assessed macroscopically, histopathologically, and biochemically. Results: The CM-containing gels (aerial parts or root) accelerated wound closure and increased collagen, glutathione (GSH), and ascorbic acid (AA) content. Additionally, these gels reduced oxidative stress markers, and interleukin-1(3 (IL-1(3) and IL-13 levels, while modulating the activities of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9. Conclusion: CM accelerates the healing process by increasing antioxidant capacity and modulating MMP activity, and it may have dose-dependent effectiveness in diabetic wound management.