Effect of fermented and green Aspalathus linearis extract loaded hydrogel on surgical wound healing in Sprague Dawley rats

•Rooibos extract loaded hydrogels (RH) displayed therapeutic properties in vivo.•RH dressing accelerated healing of uncomplicated acute surgical wounds.•Fermented rooibos extract was more effective than green rooibos extract.•Rooibos extracts reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in granulation tissues.