Immunomodulatory effects of oregano extract ointment on the expression of IL-10 and VEGF in white rat excision wounds

Background: Wound healing involves a sequential transition from inflammation to proliferation, requiring a balanced immune response. The disruption of this balance can impair repair. Origanum vulgare (oregano) has been reported to exert immunomodulatory properties; however, evidence regarding its influence on IL-10 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) expression in excisional wound healing remains limited. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of topical oregano extract ointment on the expression of IL-10 and VEGF in a rat excisional wound model. Methods: Twenty-four male white rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6 per group): vehicle control and oregano extract ointment at concentrations of 3%, 6%, and 9%. A standardized 5-mm full-thickness excisional wound was created on the dorsal skin. Treatments were applied topically twice daily for 14 days. On day 14, skin tissues were harvested for immunohistochemical analysis of IL-10 and VEGF expression. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using Immunohistochemistry Profiler, and statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: IL-10 expression showed an upward trend in the oregano-treated groups compared with the vehicle control; however, the differences did not reach statistical significance. In contrast, VEGF expression was significantly increased in the 6% oregano extract group compared with the vehicle control (p < 0.01), while the 3% and 9% groups demonstrated non-significant increases. No significant differences were observed among the oregano-treated groups. Conclusion: Oregano extract modulated the expression of molecular markers associated with wound healing, with the 6% concentration significantly increasing VEGF expression. IL-10 showed a non-significant upward trend across the treatment groups. These results suggest that oregano extract may support pathways involved in tissue repair, with 6% representing a potentially optimal concentration under the conditions of this study.