Data from: Histopathological investigation of wound healing activities of Lucilia sericata larva and Achillea sintenisii extract combinations in diabetic rat wound model
Data files
Apr 10, 2026 version files 11.83 MB
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_Data_1_DIFFERENCES_WOUND_SIZE_MEASURUMENT.xlsx
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Data_2__WOUND_CONTRACTION_DATA_.xlsx
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Data_3__Figure_DA_jpeg.jpeg
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Data_3_Figure_DM_DA.jpeg
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Data_3_Figure_DM.jpeg
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Data_3_Figure._DF.jpg
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Data_4_DA-0-10X-Image_1.jpeg
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Data_4_DA-12-10X-Image_4.jpeg
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Data_4_DA-4-10X-Image_2.jpeg
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Data_4_DA-8-10X-Image_3.jpeg
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Data_4_DF-0-10x-Image1.jpeg
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Data_4_DF-12-10x-Image_4.jpeg
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Data_4_DF-4-10X-Image_2.jpeg
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Data_4_DF-8-10x-Image_3.jpeg
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Data_4_DM_DA-0-10x-Image_1.jpeg
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Data_4_DM_DA-12-10x-Image_4.jpeg
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Data_4_DM_DA-4-10x-Image_2.jpeg
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Data_4_DM_DA-8-10x-Image_3.jpeg
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Data_4_DM-0-10X._Image_1.jpeg
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Data_4_DM-12-10x-Image_4.jpeg
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Data_4_DM-4-10x-Image_2.jpeg
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Data_4_DM-8-10x-Image_3.jpeg
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Data_4_Figure_Control.jpeg
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README.md
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Abstract
Chronic wounds are a significant health concern, especially in patients with metabolic diseases like diabetes, and they impose a substantial financial burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Alongside conventional treatments, complementary therapies are increasingly used to support wound healing. Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT), utilizing the larvae of Lucilia sericata, is a globally recognized method for treating non-healing wounds. These larvae secrete substances with antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbal remedies also play a role in chronic wound care, with various Achillea species traditionally used for medicinal purposes. This study investigated the wound healing effects of a pomade combining L. sericata larval secretions and Achillea sintenisii plant extract, compared to Furacin®, a commercial wound healing cream. Excisional wounds were created on diabetic Wistar albino rats, which were divided into four groups: DF (Furacin®), DM (L. sericata secretion), DA (A. sintenisii extract), and DM+DA (combined treatment). Wound area, contraction rates, and histological analyses were conducted to evaluate treatment efficacy. Results showed that both DM and DA treatments were more effective than Furacin® (DF), with DM outperforming DA. The most rapid and effective healing occurred in the DM+DA group, indicating a synergistic effect between the animal and plant-based therapies. This is the first comparative study evaluating the combined wound healing potential of these agents in a chronic wound model. The findings suggest that L. sericata secretions and A. sintenisii extract could lead to the development of affordable, accessible, and effective natural products for chronic wound care. These results may contribute to innovative treatment options in both veterinary and human medicine.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.b2rbnzsv8
Description of the data and file structure
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | April 09, 2026 |
| Study Type | In vivo Diabetic Wound Healing Experiment |
| Total Files | 4 Datasets (2 Excel + Gross Photos + Histological Images) |
| Staining | Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) |
| Magnification | 10x |
| Scale Bar | 200 µm |
Table of Contents
- Study Overview
- Experimental Groups
- Data 1 — Wound Size Measurement Data
- Data 2 — Contraction Data by Wound Area
- Data 3 — Gross Wound Photographs
- Data 4 — Histological Images (H&E, 10x)
- Histological Label Key
- Data Quality Notes
- Potential Use Cases
- Abbreviations
- Complete Image File Index
1. Study Overview
This dataset was collected from an experimental animal study investigating the effectiveness of different wound treatment approaches in diabetic subjects. Four treatment groups were compared across four time points: Day 0 (baseline), Day 4, Day 8, and Day 12.
The dataset consists of four complementary components:
- Data 1: Wound size (diameter in cm) measured at each time point.
- Data 2: Wound area (cm²) and percentage contraction relative to baseline.
- Data 3: Gross wound photographs taken at Day 12 for each group.
- Data 4: Histological H&E-stained tissue sections at 10x magnification, covering all four time points for each group plus a control.
All groups share the same 24 animals (n1–n24), observed over the same experimental timeline.
2. Experimental Groups
| Code | Group Name | Animals | Animal IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| DF | GROUP DIABETIC FURACIN | 6 | n1 – n6 |
| DM | GROUP DIABETIC MAGGOT | 6 | n7 – n12 |
| DA | GROUP DIABETIC ACHILLEA | 6 | n13 – n18 |
| DM+DA | GROUP DIABETIC MAGGOT + ACHILLEA | 6 | n19 – n24 |
Group Descriptions:
- DF: Control group treated with nitrofurazone-based standard topical antibiotic (Furacin).
- DM: Group treated with larval therapy (maggot debridement therapy). Maggots mechanically debride necrotic tissue and secrete bioactive compounds that promote healing.
- DA: Group treated with Achillea (yarrow) plant extract. Achillea millefolium is known for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
- DM+DA: Group receiving a combined application of maggot therapy and Achillea extract. This combination aims to enhance healing through both mechanical debridement and phytotherapeutic effects.
Measurement Time Points: Day 0, Day 4, Day 8, Day 12
Total Animals: 24 (6 per group)
Excel Data Files
Data_1_DIFFERENCES_WOUND_SIZE_MEASURUMENT_09_04_2026___.xlsxData_2__CONTRACTION_DATA_BY_WOUND_AREA.xlsx
3. Data 1 — Wound Size Measurement Data
Wound measurement data by experimental groups and days
File: _Data_1_DIFFERENCES_WOUND_SIZE_MEASURUMENT.xlsx
Rows: 24 animals (6 per group) | Decimal separator: Period (.)
Variables
| Column | Description | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| GROUP NAMES | Name of the experimental group | — |
| TEST ANIMAL NO | Animal identifier (n1–n24) | — |
| Wound size (cm) / DAY 0 | Wound diameter at baseline | cm |
| Wound size (cm) / DAY 4 | Wound diameter on Day 4 | cm |
| Wound size (cm) / DAY 8 | Wound diameter on Day 8 | cm |
| Wound size (cm) / DAY 12 | Wound diameter on Day 12 | cm |
Structural Notes
- Actual data starts at row 6; preceding rows contain headers/labels.
- GROUP NAMES column is filled only for the first animal of each group (merged cell structure).
- Two to four blank rows separate each group block.
- Animal n24 (DAY 12): value recorded as
"0,,43"— likely a typo for0.43. Verify with original records before use.
Summary Statistics — Wound Size (cm)
Baseline (Day 0):
| Group | Min | Max | Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| DF (Furacin) | 1.54 | 2.24 | 1.87 |
| DM (Maggot) | 1.77 | 2.05 | 1.87 |
| DA (Achillea) | 1.68 | 1.97 | 1.81 |
| DM+DA | 1.72 | 2.04 | 1.86 |
Day 12:
| Group | Min | Max | Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| DF (Furacin) | 0.48 | 0.57 | 0.53 |
| DM (Maggot) | 0.24 | 0.56 | 0.36 |
| DA (Achillea) | 0.22 | 0.48 | 0.37 |
| DM+DA | 0.24 | 0.51 | 0.35 |
All groups start with comparable wound sizes (~1.8 cm). By Day 12, DM, DA, and DM+DA groups achieve lower mean wound sizes than the DF control.
4. Data 2 — Contraction Data by Wound Area
Differences in Wound Area (cm2) and contraction (%) by groups and days_ data
File: Data_2__WOUND_CONTRACTION_DATA_.xlsx
Rows: 24 animals (6 per group) | Decimal separator: Comma (,) — European format. Convert to . before processing.
Variables
| Column | Description | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| GROUP NAMES | Name of the experimental group | — |
| NUMBER OF EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL | Animal identifier (n1–n24) | — |
| DAY 0 — Wound area | Initial wound area at baseline | cm² |
| DAY 4 — Wound area | Wound area on Day 4 | cm² |
| DAY 4 — % Contraction | Percentage contraction by Day 4 | % |
| DAY 8 — Wound area | Wound area on Day 8 | cm² |
| DAY 8 — % Contraction | Percentage contraction by Day 8 | % |
| DAY 12 — Wound area | Wound area on Day 12 | cm² |
| DAY 12 — % Contraction | Percentage contraction by Day 12 | % |
Structural Notes
- Actual data starts at row 6; preceding rows contain headers/labels.
- GROUP NAMES column is filled only for the first animal of each group (merged cell structure).
- Two blank rows separate each group block.
Summary Statistics
Baseline Wound Area (Day 0, cm²):
| Group | Min | Max | Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| DF (Furacin) | 11.21 | 11.27 | 11.24 |
| DM (Maggot) | 11.22 | 11.28 | 11.24 |
| DA (Achillea) | 10.82 | 10.89 | 10.85 |
| DM+DA | 11.12 | 11.16 | 11.14 |
Percentage Contraction on Day 12 (%):
| Group | Min | Max | Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| DF (Furacin) | 70.98 | 72.67 | 71.78 |
| DM (Maggot) | 79.60 | 81.56 | 80.57 |
| DA (Achillea) | 78.62 | 80.28 | 79.60 |
| DM+DA | 87.51 | 98.81 | 91.49 |
The DM+DA combined group achieves the highest mean contraction (~91.5%) by Day 12, notably outperforming the DF control group (~71.8%).
5. Data 3 — Gross Wound Photographs
In vivo experimental studies _data
Photographs show the macroscopic appearance of wounds at Day 12, taken under standardized conditions on a teal surgical drape.
| File | Group | Description |
|---|---|---|
Data_3_Figure._DF.jpg |
DF — Day 12 | Partial closure with visible residual wound area. Consistent with lower contraction rate (~71.78%). |
Data_3_Figure_DM.jpeg |
DM — Day 12 | Notable wound size reduction; cleaner wound bed reflecting maggot debridement effect (~80.57% mean contraction). |
Data_3__Figure_DA_jpeg.jpeg |
DA — Day 12 | Good healing progress; skin margins closing inward (~79.60% mean contraction). |
Data_3_Figure_DM_DA.jpeg |
DM+DA — Day 12 | Most advanced wound closure; smallest wound area with well-approximated skin margins (~91.49% mean contraction). |
6. Data 4 — Histological Images (H&E, 10x)
Histological evaluation of wound healing level_data
Stain: Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) | Magnification: 10x | Scale bar: 200 µm
(See Section 7 for label key)
Control Group (Reference Tissue)
File: Data_4_Figure_Control.jpeg
Normal skin architecture serving as the histological baseline reference. Well-organized epidermis with regular rete ridges, intact hair follicles, and normal collagen arrangement. No inflammatory infiltrate.
Group Diabetic Furacin (DF)
| File | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
Data_4_DF-0-10x-Image1.jpeg |
Day 0 | Baseline: epidermis with early disruption; hair follicles and collagen visible; no significant inflammatory response. |
Data_4_DF-4-10X-Image_2.jpeg |
Day 4 | Early healing response; epithelium (e), collagen (k, kf), fibroblastic activity (f); granulation tissue forming. |
Data_4_DF-8-10x-Image_3.jpeg |
Day 8 | Increased dermal cellularity; epithelial coverage (e) with rete ridge formation (kt); healing less advanced than maggot-treated groups. |
Data_4_DF-12-10x-Image_4.jpeg |
Day 12 | Epidermis (e) partially re-established; new collagen (k, kf) and fibroblasts (f) visible; healing incomplete vs. DM and DA. |
Group Diabetic Maggot (DM)
| File | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
Data_4_DM-0-10X._Image_1.jpeg |
Day 0 | Baseline: partially disrupted epidermis; collagen and hair follicle structures visible; minimal inflammatory infiltrate. |
Data_4_DM-4-10x-Image_2.jpeg |
Day 4 | Maggot debridement clearing necrotic tissue; adipose (hd), blood vessels (kd), fibroblasts (f), collagen (k, kf), epithelium (e, kt); cleaner wound bed than DF. |
Data_4_DM-8-10x-Image_3.jpeg |
Day 8 | Notable re-epithelialization (e, kt); dense hair follicle regeneration (kf); more organized collagen (k); more advanced than DF at same time point. |
Data_4_DM-12-10x-Image_4.jpeg |
Day 12 | Well-organized epidermis with prominent rete ridges (kt); multiple maturing hair follicles (kf); dense collagen deposition (k); substantially more complete than DF. |
Group Diabetic Achillea (DA)
| File | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
Data_4_DA-0-10X-Image_1.jpeg |
Day 0 | Baseline: initial disruption of epidermis; hair follicles (kf), collagen (k), fibroblasts (f), epithelium (e), rete ridges (kt), adipose (hd) visible. |
Data_4_DA-4-10X-Image_2.jpeg |
Day 4 | Early re-epithelialization (e, kt); hair follicle remnants (kf); collagen reorganization; blood vessel formation (kd); early inflammatory modulation. |
Data_4_DA-8-10X-Image_3.jpeg |
Day 8 | Good epithelial coverage (e) with rete ridge formation (kt); prominent hair follicle regeneration; improving collagen organization; comparable to DM at this time point. |
Data_4_DA-12-10X-Image_4.jpeg |
Day 12 | Well-established epidermis (e, kt); hair follicle formation (kf); organized dermal collagen (k, f); adipose (hd) and vascular remnants (kd) visible; comparable to DM group. |
Group Diabetic Maggot + Achillea (DM+DA)
| File | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
Data_4_DM_DA-0-10x-Image_1.jpeg |
Day 0 | Baseline: disrupted epidermis; hair follicles, collagen fibers, and muscle layer visible. |
Data_4_DM_DA-4-10x-Image_2.jpeg |
Day 4 | Combined effects beginning to show; epithelium (e, kt), hair follicles (kf), collagen (k, f); wound bed cleaner and cellular activity higher than single-treatment groups. |
Data_4_DM_DA-8-10x-Image_3.jpeg |
Day 8 | Significant re-epithelialization (e, kt); dense hair follicle regeneration (kf); organized collagen deposition; tissue architecture more advanced than either DM or DA alone. |
Data_4_DM_DA-12-10x-Image_4.jpeg |
Day 12 | Most advanced healing among all groups; well-organized multilayered epidermis (e) with prominent rete ridges (kt); mature hair follicles (kf, k); dense organized collagen matrix; consistent with highest mean contraction rate (~91.49%). |
7. Histological Label Key
| Label | Full Term | Description |
|---|---|---|
| e | Epidermis | Outermost skin layer; stratified squamous epithelium |
| kt | Stratum corneum / Rete ridges | Keratinized surface layer / rete ridges projecting into dermis |
| k | Collagen fibers | Extracellular matrix protein; appears pink in H&E |
| kf | Hair follicle | Epithelial structure producing hair shaft |
| f | Fibroblast / fibrous tissue | Dermal cells producing collagen and ECM |
| hd | Adipose tissue | Subcutaneous fat layer (hypodermis) |
| kd | Blood vessel | Vascular structure; may contain red blood cells |
8. Data Quality Notes
| Issue | File | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Typo in DAY 12 value | Data 1 | Animal n24: recorded as "0,,43". Likely intended as 0.43. Verify before use. |
| Decimal separator mismatch | Both Excel files | Data 1 uses period (.); Data 2 uses comma (,). Standardize before merging. |
| Merged cell structure | Both Excel files | GROUP NAMES column filled only for first animal of each group block. |
| Header rows | Both Excel files | Actual data starts at row 6 in both files. |
| Histology reference | Data 4 | Control image has no time point — it is reference (normal) tissue only. |
9. Potential Use Cases
- Between-group comparison of wound closure rates over time (one-way ANOVA, repeated-measures ANOVA, post-hoc tests)
- Correlation between wound size (Data 1) and wound area (Data 2)
- Modelling contraction curves across time points (Days 0–12)
- Evaluating combined treatment (DM+DA) efficacy vs. single treatments
- Histological scoring of re-epithelialization, collagen density, and hair follicle regeneration across groups and time points
- Cross-validation between quantitative data and histological findings
- Visualization: line charts, box plots, bar graphs, heat maps
10. Abbreviations
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DF | Diabetic Furacin |
| DM | Diabetic Maggot |
| DA | Diabetic Achillea |
| DM+DA | Diabetic Maggot + Achillea (combined) |
| cm | Centimeter (wound size / diameter unit) |
| cm² | Square centimeter (wound area unit) |
| % | Percentage contraction |
| n1–n24 | Individual experimental animal identifiers |
| H&E | Hematoxylin and Eosin (histological stain) |
| ECM | Extracellular Matrix |
| µm | Micrometer (scale bar unit) |
| 10x | Objective magnification |
11. Complete Image File Index
Data 3 — Gross Wound Photographs (Day 12)
| File | Group | Time Point |
|---|---|---|
Data_3_Figure__DF.jpg |
DF | Day 12 |
Data_3_Figure_DM.jpeg |
DM | Day 12 |
Data_3__Figure_DA_jpeg.jpeg |
DA | Day 12 |
Data_3_Figure_DM_DA.jpeg |
DM+DA | Day 12 |
Data 4 — Histological Sections (H&E, 10x)
| File | Group | Time Point |
|---|---|---|
Data_4_Figure_Control.jpeg |
Control | Reference tissue |
Data_4_DF-0-10x-Image1.jpeg |
DF | Day 0 |
Data_4_DF-4-10X-Image_2.jpeg |
DF | Day 4 |
Data_4_DF-8-10x-Image_3.jpeg |
DF | Day 8 |
Data_4_DF-12-10x-Image_4.jpeg |
DF | Day 12 |
Data_4_DM-0-10X__Image_1.jpeg |
DM | Day 0 |
Data_4_DM-4-10x-Image_2.jpeg |
DM | Day 4 |
Data_4_DM-8-10x-Image_3.jpeg |
DM | Day 8 |
Data_4_DM-12-10x-Image_4.jpeg |
DM | Day 12 |
Data_4_DA-0-10X-Image_1.jpeg |
DA | Day 0 |
Data_4_DA-4-10X-Image_2.jpeg |
DA | Day 4 |
Data_4_DA-8-10X-Image_3.jpeg |
DA | Day 8 |
Data_4_DA-12-10X-Image_4.jpeg |
DA | Day 12 |
Data_4_DM_DA-0-10x-Image_1.jpeg |
DM+DA | Day 0 |
Data_4_DM_DA-4-10x-Image_2.jpeg |
DM+DA | Day 4 |
Data_4_DM_DA-8-10x-Image_3.jpeg |
DM+DA | Day 8 |
Data_4_DM_DA-12-10x-Image_4.jpeg |
DM+DA | Day 12 |
Code/software
SPSS 26.0 Analysis software
Access information
Data was derived from the following sources:
- All the datasets supporting the conclusions of this article are included within the article. Polat, NEVRA, et al. (2025). Data from: Histopathological Investigation of Wound Healing Activities of Lucilia sericata Larva and Achillea sintenisii Extract Combinations in Diabetic Rat Wound Model [Dataset].