Assessment of the Wound-Healing Properties of Almond Oil in a Murine Excisional Wound Model: Biochemical Mechanisms and Translational Perspectives

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex biological process involving overlapping phases of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, coordinated by a network of cytokines, growth factors, and cellular responses. Natural products, particularly plant oils, are increasingly being studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. Specifically, this study evaluated the healing potential of almond oil through topical application in an excisional wound model induced in mice, treated once daily for 7 days. Histological, biochemical, and molecular analyses demonstrated that topical treatment with almond oil accelerates wound healing, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization, and stimulates angiogenesis. At the molecular level, almond oil reduced the expression of MMP-9, increased TGF-β and VEGF, and activated the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway, helping limit oxidative and nitrosative stress. Furthermore, it inhibited NF-κB activation and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6). These results indicate that almond oil promotes skin healing through synergistic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative actions, supporting its use as a natural and sustainable topical agent for wound management in clinical settings.