Purpose: To evaluate the healing activity of water ginseng (
Panax ginseng
C.A. Meyer) polysaccharide
(WGP) in vivo.
Methods: Mice were divided into four groups: group 1 was the control, and groups 2–4 were treated
with WGP (15 mg or 30 mg) or mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF, 0.1 mL, 2000 IU/mL),
respectively. Full-thickness excision wounds were made on the back of each mouse. Wound areas were
imaged, and wound contraction (%) was calculated. Histological observation and analysis of collagen
content were performed using standard biochemical methods.
Results: Wound contraction and the period of epithelialization in WGP groups were significantly
different from those of control. The 30 mg WGP group showed 85.0 % wound healing, while control
group showed only 65.8 % wound healing (p < 0.001) 10 days after the operation. WGP also promoted
the formation of collagen in a dose-dependent manner. Histological examination confirmed that
fibroblasts and new blood vessels were more abundant in WGP group than in control group.
Conclusion: Topical application of WGP stimulates wound contraction and accelerates healing. This
may be due to the ability of WGP to enhance the functions of macrophages and myeloid hematopoietic
cells, resulting in increased fibroblast division, collagen synthesis, and production of blood cells during
wound healing.
