Narra J
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): August 2026

Development and preclinical evaluation of an Aceh kelulut honey-based hydrocolloid dressing for wound healing

Muhammad IA. Putra (Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia)
Khairan Khairan (Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia)
Izza Chairani (Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia)
Binawati Ginting (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia)
Kartini Hasballah (Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia)
Reno K. Kamarlis (Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia)
Mudatsir Mudatsir (Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia)
Syamsul Rizal (Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia)
Mirnasari Amirsyah (Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia)
Muhammad Diah (Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Jul 2026

Abstract

Honey has long been used in wound care because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while hydrocolloid dressings provide a moist and protective environment that supports tissue repair. This study aimed to evaluate the macroscopic and microscopic effects of an Aceh kelulut honey–based hydrocolloid dressing on wound healing in mice. Twenty-seven healthy male mice (Mus musculus) were assigned to three groups: control treated with 0.9% NaCl, pure Aceh kelulut honey (KH), and Aceh kelulut honey–based hydrocolloid (KHHC). Two full-thickness excisional wounds, each 4 mm in diameter, were created on the dorsal skin of each mouse. Wound diameter was measured daily for 14 days. Histopathological evaluation was performed on days 3, 7, and 14 to assess neutrophil and macrophage counts, epithelialization ratio, myofibroblast ratio, and collagen fiber density. The KHHC group showed faster macroscopic wound closure than the KH and control groups. Significant differences were observed among groups in neutrophil count, macrophage count, epithelialization ratio, myofibroblast ratio, and collagen fiber density. KHHC reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, increased myofibroblast ratio, and enhanced collagen fiber density, suggesting accelerated wound contraction and tissue remodeling. However, epithelialization was lower in the KHHC group during the early healing phase. These findings indicate that Aceh kelulut honey–based hydrocolloid dressing may improve several key aspects of wound healing, particularly inflammation control, wound contraction, and collagen deposition. Further studies are required to optimize the formulation and clarify its effect on reepithelialization.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

main

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Narra J is a multidisciplinary journal and it is published three times (April, August, December) a year. The objective is to promote articles on infection, public health, global health, tropical infection, one health and diseases in tropics. Narra J publishes original research work across all ...