Asmaa S Alrubaey1 
,
Majid K Bashara1,
Wisam A Ameen2
For correspondence:- Asmaa Alrubaey Email: sapryasoo84al@gmail.com
Received: 12 June 2026 Accepted: 19 September 2026 Published: 30 September 2026
Citation: Alrubaey AS, Bashara MK, Ameen WA. Comparative histological and biochemical evaluation of phenytoin and nifedipine in enhancing wound healing in rat model. Trop J Pharm Res 2026; 25(9):1225-1230 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v25i9.5
© 2026 The authors.
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Purpose: To investigate the regenerative effects of phenytoin and nifedipine in a full-thickness cutaneous wound model in male rats. Methods: Rats were randomly and equally divided into 4 groups. Group A was negative control (unwounded skin), group B was positive control (untreated wound), group C received phenytoin (1 % topical application, once daily), and group D received nifedipine (1 % topical application, once daily) for 12 consecutive days. Tissue levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were assessed after 6 and 12 days of treatment. Histopathological examination was performed to evaluate tissue regeneration and wound healing progression. Results: Phenytoin significantly increased IL-10 and reduced TNF-α compared to control groups (p < 0.05). Phenytoin also significantly increased VEGF (p < 0.05) and bFGF (p < 0.05) compared with the control, reflecting enhanced angiogenic and fibroblast activity. Furthermore, nifedipine significantly increased IL-10 and decreased TNF-α compared to positive control (p < 0.05). Phenytoin-treated wounds demonstrated advanced re-epithelialization, organized granulation tissue, and increased extracellular matrix deposition. Treatment with nifedipine showed moderate improvement characterized by reduced inflammation and progressing remodeling. Conclusions: Phenytoin significantly increased VEGF and bFGF levels compared to control, reflecting enhanced angiogenic and fibroblast activity. These findings support the potential therapeutic role of phenytoin and nifedipine in wound remodelling
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