Effect of emu oil on dermal wound healing in a rat model

The objective of this study was to evaluate topically applied emu oil and carrier product on dermal healing and inflammation in a rat model of partial-thickness burn wounds. Using a CO2 laser, 2 cm 2 partial-thickness dermal wounds were created on the dorsolateral aspect of the trunk on 80 rats. Each set of two rats was randomly assigned in to one of four treatment groups (20 rats/group): emu oil alone (A), emu oil + carrier product (B); carrier product minus emu oil (C), and no treatment (D). Treatments were applied topically twice daily using pump pray bottles (3 squirts per treatment). Tissue samples collected from each rat on days 7, 14 and 28 were evaluated histologically for epidermal necrosis and ulceration, dermal granulation tissue, and dermal inflammation. The maximum force (grams) required for tissue failure was used to assess tissue breaking strength.;There was no difference in gross wound area among groups at any time. The carrier group(C) appeared to experience more discomfort and irritation due to treatment than the other three groups. There was no statistical difference among groups for any of the histopathologic categories. There were significant decreases in epidermal necrosis/ulceration, granulation tissue and dermal inflammation in all groups over time. Tissue breaking strength significantly decreased over time in all groups except emu oil alone (A). Emu oil combined with the carrier product appears to have no beneficial effects on wound healing. Emu oil alone may enhance tissue strength in healing wounds.