Topical Transfersome Gel Containing Clitoria Ternatea. L Extract Modulates Interleukin-6 Expression and Enhances Re-Epithelialization in A Rat Model of Second-Degree Burns

Abstract

Background: Burn injuries remain a clinical challenge because excessive inflammation can delay tissue repair. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key inflammatory cytokine, while re-epithelialization is essential for skin restoration. Clitoria ternatea L. contains bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, which may be enhanced by transfersome delivery. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of topical transfersome gel containing Clitoria ternatea L. extract on serum IL-6 levels, re-epithelialization, and wound-healing rate in Wistar rats with second-degree burns. Methods: A randomized post-test-only control group design involved 60 male Wistar rats divided into two experimental sets, each comprising six groups (n = 5). Treatments included transfersome gel base, silver sulfadiazine (SSD), 2.5%, 5%, or 10% extract-loaded transfersome gel, and 10% extract-loaded gel combined with SSD. Serum IL-6 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on day 3, re-epithelialization was assessed histologically on day 7, and wound-healing rates were evaluated on days 3 and 7. Results: Treatment significantly affected IL-6 levels (p = 0.006) and re-epithelialization thickness (p < 0.001). IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the SSD and combination groups than in the negative control. The 10% formulation produced the greatest epithelial thickness among extract treatment groups. Wound-healing rates did not differ significantly on day 3 (p = 0.220) but differed on day 7 (p = 0.003), with the combination group achieving the highest mean healing rate. Conclusion: Clitoria ternatea L. transfersome gel showed potential to modulate inflammation and support re-epithelialization. The 10% formulation enhanced epithelial thickness, while combination therapy with SSD achieved the highest wound-healing rate on day 7.