Botroclot is a marketed preparation containing
hemocoagulase, which is an
enzyme having
coagulant activity, isolated from the snake Botrops atrox. This formulation is used in dental surgeries and other minor
surgical wounds. However, the formulation remains untested in diabetic
wounds. Hence, we proposed a study for the topical application of Botroclot in high-fat diet (HFD) + Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. HFD was fed initially to rats which facilitates the development of
insulin resistance. Thereafter, an injection of STZ (40 mg/kg, i.p.) was given. This resulted in the development of diabetes with elevated fasting
glucose and
impaired glucose tolerance. After stabilization of
blood glucose values,
wounds were created by punch biopsy on the dorsal side of the palm of the rat to mimic the diabetic
wounds frequently seen in the case of humans. Later, the application of Botroclot on these
wounds was carried out for 15 days. Topical application of
hemocoagulase improved the
wound closure and there was a gradual decrease in inflammatory markers and a substantial increase in
collagen deposition occurred. Histopathological findings indicated the same, with an increase in granulation tissue suggesting that the topical application moderately improves the wound healing in diabetic rats. We conclude that Botroclot can have a mild to moderate effect in improving
collagen deposition and thus
wound contraction, improving
wound closure in diabetic
wounds in rats. This study also establishes the basis for exploration of agents from
venom-based sources in diabetic wound healing.