In vivo anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of Centaurea iberica Trev. ex Spreng

Aim of the study

Several Centaurea species (Asteraceae) are used in Turkish folk medicine to alleviate pain and inflammatory symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis, high fever, head ache and for wound healing. Particularly, the aerial part of Centaurea iberica Trev. ex Spreng. has been practiced on wounds for healing. In order to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of the plant, extracts were prepared with variety of solvents: hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous methanol (85%) from the aerial parts of Centaurea iberica.

Materials and methods

The incision by using tensiometer and excision models were used in order to assess the effect of the plant extracts on wound healing in mice and rats. Results were also evaluated histopathologically. In vivo inhibitory effect of the extracts on acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability was studied for the assessment of anti-inflammatory activity.

Results

The wound healing effect was comparatively evaluated with a reference ointment Madecassol^®. Noteworthy wound healing activity was observed for the ointment formulation prepared with 1% methanol extract. The results of histopathological evaluation supported the outcome of both incision and excision wound models. Moreover, the methanol extract exerted remarkable wound healing activity and also demonstrated a significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that Centaurea iberica displays remarkable wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity.     

白花檵木促大鼠皮肤伤口愈合物质基础初步研究

目的: 观察白花檵木粗提物(extract of Loropetalum chinens,ELC)促大鼠皮肤伤口愈合作用,并对粗提物分离提取得到的组分进行促愈合药理筛选,为白花檵木促皮肤愈合物质基础研究奠定工作基础。 方法: 应用酶解和溶剂萃取手段制备白花檵木粗提物,进而以有机溶剂对粗提物萃取,获得多种分离组分;采用大鼠皮肤割伤模型(incision wound model)和切除伤模型(excision wound model)2种国际常用体内模型研究白花檵木粗提物及分离组分的促愈合作用,对伤口进行愈合病理和免疫组织化学染色观察;对白花檵木粗提物进行初步分离,并采用大鼠皮肤割伤模型对分离提取产物进行促愈合作用筛选。 结果: 白花檵木粗提物可显著促进大鼠皮肤伤口的愈合速度,缩短愈合时间,增加愈合后皮肤抗拉强度,促进伤口处细胞及血管新生;白花檵木粗提物的初步分离提取组分中,石油醚层,乙酸乙酯层和正丁醇层促皮肤愈合作用较强,提示白花檵木的促愈合作用物质极性较小。 结论: 白花檵木粗提物具有显著促愈合作用,石油醚层、乙酸乙酯层和正丁醇层3种分离组分促愈合作用较强,推测白花檵木促愈合功效活性物质极性较小。     

The essential oil of Croton zehntneri and trans-anethole improves cutaneous wound healing

Ethnopharmacology relevance

Croton zehntneri is a Euphorbiaceae species native to northeastern Brazil, where teas and beverages made from Croton zehntneri leaves are used as healing agents. To our knowledge, there is no experimental study supporting this claim of pharmacological activity.

Materials and methods

Full-thickness excisional wounds were made in the left and right sides of the dorsum of anesthetised Swiss mice, and a topical pharmaceutical formulation, developed by including essential oil extracted from the leaves of Croton zehntneri (2% and 20% EOCz) in pluronic-127 (PF-127), was administered to mice twice daily for 15 days post-wounding. To evaluate the contribution of trans-anethole, the major constituent of EOCz (85.7%), in the wound healing activity of EOCz, the effect of the topical administration of trans-AT on wound tissue repair was also evaluated and compared to other groups. A macroscopic analysis of swelling and exudates was performed and scored as 0 (missing), 1 (light), 2 (moderate) and 3 (intense). The number of capillaries and leukocytes was counted in hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained sections of the injured tissue. For extracellular matrix remodelling analysis, fibroblasts and collagen fibres present in the photomicrography of the Masson’s Trichrome (MT)-stained sections were counted. Each experimental group comprised six mice.

Results

At day 3 post-wounding, it was observed that treatment with 20% EOCz greatly reduced the swelling and exudates with a similar magnitude to the dexamethasone treatment. The inflammatory cell infiltration and angiogenesis were not altered by either the EOCz- or trans-AT treatments. In contrast, an acceleration of the wound closure was observed, with an enhanced number of fibroblasts and collagen fibres in both the 20% EOCz- and trans-AT-treated mice.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that EOCz exerts significant wound healing activity, demonstrating its relevant therapeutic potential.     

Eleutherine indica L. accelerates in vivo cutaneous wound healing by stimulating Smad-mediated collagen production

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Eleutherine indica L. has been used for healing of wound, painful and irregular menstruation, dysentery and lesions, and topically used as antiseptic and antimicrobial agent in folk medicine. In the present study, methanolic extracts of Eleutherine indica was subjected to scientific investigation for in-vivo cutaneous wound healing in wistar rat.

Materials and methods

In-vivo wound healing activity of Eleutherine indica was evaluated by using circular excision experimental models, followed by histopathological and western blot analysis. The healing potential was comparatively assessed with a reference gentamicin sulfate hydrogel (0.01% w/w). Wound contraction measurement, hydroxyproline estimation and western blot for COL3A1, bFGF, Smad-2, -3, -4, and -7 were performed.

Results

The methanolic extract of Eleutherine indica showed accelerated wound healing activity as evidenced by fast wound contraction rate and higher hydroxyproline content of granulation tissue. Western blot revealed the Smad-mediated collagen production promoting property of Eleutherine indica methanolic extract. Histopathological examinations also supported the experimental findings.

Conclusion

The study revealed that Eleutherine indica promotes wound healing by augmenting Smad-mediated collagen production in wound granulation tissue.     

Wound healing activity of Calotropis gigantea root bark in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Calotropis gigantea R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) is a perennial undershrub found chiefly in wastelands throughout India. It has been reported as a traditional folkloric medicine for a variety of alignments. The plant Calotropis gigantea is also used in some parts of India for wound healing in combination with other plants. However there are no scientific reports on wound healing activity of the plant Calotropis gigantea R.Br.

Aim of the study

To investigate the effects of Calotropis gigantea root bark on wound healing activity in rats by excision, incision and dead space wound healing models in rats.

Methodology

Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing between 180 and 200 g were topically treated with extract formulated in ointment by using simple ointment BP as base. 5% (w/w) ointment was applied once daily in excision wound model. Calotropis gigantea ethanolic extract was given orally at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg in incision and dead space wound healing models. Rats of standard groups were treated with 5% Povidone iodine ointment topically. The percentage wound closure, epithelization time, hydroxyproline content and scar area on complete epithelization were measured.

Results

Topical application of Calotropis gigantea in excision wound model increased the percentage of wound contraction. Scar area and epithelization time were decreased. In incision wound and dead space wound breaking strength of wounds and hydroxyproline was increased.

Conclusion

Calotropis gigantea accelerated wound healing in rats and thus supports its traditional use.     

Investigations on the in vivo wound healing potential of Hypericum perforatum L.

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Olive oil extract of the flowering aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) is a popular folk remedy for the treatment of wounds in Turkey.

Aim of the study

In order to prove the claimed utilization of the plant, the effects of the extracts and the fractions were investigated by using bioassay-guided procedures. For the wound healing activity assessment, in vivo excision and incision wound models were applied. For the anti-inflammatory activity, an in vivo model, based on the inhibition of acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability was used as well. Moreover, a parallel study was run on Hypericum scabrum L., which is a widespread species of the gender but not known as a folk remedy for wound healing, to provide a preliminary data to compare and emphasize the selection of correct plant species.

Results

Initial investigations proved that the olive oil extract of Hypericum perforatum has a significant wound healing effect on excision (5.1–82.6% inhibition) and circular incision (20.2–100.0% inhibition) wound models. In order to determine the active wound healing ingredient(s), aerial parts of the plant was extracted with ethanol, noteworthy wound healing activity profile was observed with the wound models; between 18.3% and 95.6% in excision model and from 13.9% to 100.0% inhibitions in incision model were determined. The ethanolic extract was then submitted to successive solvent extractions with n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate (EtOAc). Each solvent extract was also applied on the same wound models, consequently, EtOAc subextract was found to be the most active one by inhibiting wounds between 17.9% and 100.0% in excision model, subsequently between 9.4% and 100.0% in incision model. However, all subfractions obtained from the EtOAc subextract using Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography showed wound healing activity not more than the whole EtOAc subextract, which revealed that a possible synergistic activity that might be questioned. Among the active Sephadex fractions, Fr. A further yielded hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin and (−)-epicatechin and Fr. B yielded hypericin as the major components. Moreover, a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity was found for the ethanol extract, EtOAc subextract and Sephadex fractions of Hypericum perforatum. These results suggest that anti-inflammatory activity of the active fractions might have a contributory role in the wound healing effect of the plant.

Conclusion

Results of the present study have proved that aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum possess remarkable wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities supporting the folkloric assertion of the plant in Turkish folk medicine. Flavonoids [hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin and (−)-epicatechin] and naphthoquinones (hypericins) were found as the active components of Hypericum perforatum. On the other hand, ethanol extract of Hypericum scabrum showed neither remarkable wound healing nor anti-inflammatory activity demonstrating the importance of correct plant species selection in therapeutic applications.     

In vivo topical anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of the fixed oil of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. seeds

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae), popularly known as pequi, is important source of food and used in the folk medicine as wound healing, anti-inflammatory and for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract, rheumatic and muscular pains and gastric ulcer.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the effects of fixed oil of Caryocar coriaceum (FOCC) on the topical inflammation and cutaneous wound healing.

Materials and methods

FOCC was purchased commercially and used at 6%, 12%, 25%, 50% and 100% on model of ear edema induced by xylene and ointments formulations at 6% and 12% on wound excision model in mice. Skin lesions were evaluated by planimetry and histological analysis.

Results

FOCC was capable of reducing inflammation in a dose-dependent fashion. FOCC in nature (100%) inhibited the ear edema in 38.01% and 39.20% at time 15 min and 1 h, respectively, after induction of inflammation, when compared to the positive control. The topical administration of FOCC ointment 12% showed a significantly reduction of unhealed wound area, with increased percentage of wound contraction (96.54%) on day 7 when compared to the other groups. The results of histological evaluation supported the outcome of excision wound model.

Conclusion

Caryocar coriaceum inhibits the topical inflammation and accelerate cutaneous wound repair.     

Evaluation of wound healing activity of root of Mimosa pudica

Ethno pharmacological relevance

Mimosa pudica, commonly known as touch-me-not, is used in folklore medicine in arresting bleeding and in skin diseases.

Aim

There was no scientific evidence justifying the use of Mimosa pudica, therefore the present study was aimed at evaluation of wound healing activity of the plant.

Materials and methods

In the present study the roots of Mimosa pudica were studied for wound healing activity by incorporating the methanolic and the total aqueous extract in simple ointment base B.P. in concentration of 0.5% (w/w), 1% (w/w) and 2% (w/w). Wound healing activity was studied in three types of model in rats viz. excision, incision and estimation of biochemical parameter. In case of the excision wound model wound contraction and period of epithelization was studied while in incision wound model was evaluated by determining tensile strength and hydroxyproline content in the scab.

Results

Treatment of wound with ointment containing 2% (w/w) the methanolic and 2% (w/w) the total aqueous extract exhibited significant (P < 0.001) wound healing activity. The methanolic and total aqueous extracts were analyzed for total phenols content equivalent to Gallic acid. The content of total phenols was 11% (w/w) and 17% (w/w) in methanolic and total aqueous extract respectively.

Conclusion

The methanolic extract exhibited good wound healing activity probably due to phenols constituents.     

Anti-inflammatory,wound healing and in-vivo antioxidant properties of the leaves of Ficus amplissima Smith

Ethno pharmacological relevance

Ficus amplissima, commonly known as kal-itchchi, being used in folklore medicine, leaves juice is applied externally on old chronic wounds and the latex is applied on the wound.

Aim

There was no scientific evidence justifying the medicinal use of Ficus amplissima, therefore the present study was aimed at evaluation of anti-inflammatory, wound healing and in-vivo antioxidant activity of the plant.

Materials and methods

In the present study the acetone extract of Ficus amplissima leaves were studied for enzymatic antioxidant activity through different assays, anti-inflammatory by using carrageenan and histamine induced rat paw edema models (50 mg, 100 mg acetone extract) and wound healing activity by incorporating the two doses (1% (w/w) and 2% (w/w)) of acetone extract and simple ointment base B.P. in concentration of 0.5% (w/w) using excision and incision wound models in rats. In case of the excision wound model wound contraction and period of epithelization was studied while incision wound model was evaluated by determining tensile strength.

Results

Ficus amplissima leaves expressed the potent anti-inflammatory and in-vivo antioxidant activity where 100 mg acetone extract showed high activity. Treatment of wound with ointment containing 2% (w/w) acetone extract exhibited significant (P<0.001) wound healing activity.

Conclusion

The acetone extract of Ficus amplissima leaves exhibited better anti-inflammatory, wound healing and in-vivo antioxidant activity probably due to phenols constituents.     

In vivo wound healing activity and phytochemical screening of the crude extract and various fractions of Kalanchoe petitiana A. Rich (Crassulaceae) leaves in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The leaves of Kalanchoe petitiana A. Rich (Crassulaceae) are used in Ethiopian folk medicine for treatment of evil eye, fractured surface for bone setting and several skin disorders including for the treatment of sores, boils, and malignant wounds.

Aim of the study

In order to scientifically prove the claimed utilization of the plant, the effects of the extracts and the fractions were investigated using in vivo excision, incision and dead space wound models.

Materials and method

Mice were used for wound healing study, while rats and rabbit were used for skin irritation test. For studying healing activity 80% methanolic extract and the fractions were formulated in strength of 5% and 10%, either as ointment (hydroalcoholic extract, aqueous and methanol fractions) or gel (chloroform fraction). Oral administration of the crude extract was used for dead space model. Negative controls were treated either with simple ointment or sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose xerogel, while positive controls with nitrofurazone (0.2 w/v) skin ointment. Negative controls for dead space model were treated with 1% carboxy methyl cellulose. Parameters, including rate of wound contraction, period of complete epithelializtion, hydroxyproline contents and skin breaking strength were evaluated.

Results

Significant wound healing activity was observed with ointment formulated from the crude extract at both 5% and 10% concentration (p<0.01) compared to controls in both excision and incision models. In dead space model, 600 mg/kg (p<0.01) but not 300 mg/kg significantly increased hydroxyproline content. Fractions showed variable effect, with the chloroform fraction lacking any significant effect. Both 5% and 10% formulations of the aqueous and methanolic fractions significantly increased wound contraction, decreased epithelializtion time and increased hydroxyproline content in excision wound model (p<0.05) as compared to controls. These fractions were also endowed with higher skin breaking strength in incision wound model (p<0.01).

Conclusions

The present study provided evidence that the leaves of Kalanchoe petitiana A. Rich possess remarkable wound healing activities supporting the folkloric assertion of the plant. Fractionation revealed that polar or semi polar compound may play vital role, as both aqueous and methanolic fractions were endowed with wound healing activity.     

The effects of Polygonum cuspidatum extract on wound healing in rats

Aim of the study

Polygonum cuspidatum has long been used as a traditional medicine inducing wound healing. In this study, the extract from the Chinese medicinal herb Polygonum cuspidatum was investigated on its wound healing activity, in order to obtain an accurate elucidation of its traditional use value.

Materials and methods

After creating wound healing model on the back of rats, the extract from the Chinese medicinal herb Polygonum cuspidatum was applied. Wound healing rates were calculated at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after the wounding, and tissues were harvested at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days for histological and immunohistochemistry analysis. The stages of wound granulation tissues were evaluated histopathologically. The expression of TGF-β1 was determined by immunohistochemically.

Results

Wound healing rates were significantly higher at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days in the extract group than in the control (p < 0.05). Histological results showed more well-organized bands of collagen, more fibroblasts and hair follicle and less inflammatory cells in the extract group. The immunohistochemical results revealed that TGF-β1 increased in the extract group on day 1, 3 and 7 post-wounding (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study has shown that the extract from the Chinese medicinal herb Polygonum cuspidatum possesses wound healing activity, and thus provided the evidence for its traditional use value.     

Evaluation of the wound healing property of Boesenbergia longiflora rhizomes

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The rhizomes of Boesenbergia longiflora (Wall.) Kuntze (Zingiberaceae) have been traditionally used for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, aphthous ulcer and abscess by decoction with alcohol.

Aim of the study

The rhizomes of Boesenbergia longiflora were carried out to investigate for anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities in order to support the traditional use.

Material and methods

The ethanolic extract of Boesenbergia longiflora and its fractions were tested using relevant in vitro anti-inflammatory and wound healing assays. For the in vitro studies, murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells and mouse fibroblast L929 cells were assessed for anti-inflammatory and fibroblast stimulatory activities, respectively. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity was determined by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model as well as acute toxicity estimated by the up-and-down method in mice.

Results

The present study has demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of Boesenbergia longiflora rhizomes possesses a potent anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities. Among the isolated fractions, the CHCl₃ fraction showed potent anti-inflammatory effect through nitric oxide inhibitory activity (IC₅₀=5.5 μg/ml) and reduction of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema (ED₅₀=222.7 mg/kg), whereas this fraction exhibited wound healing property via fibroblast migration on both day 1 (77.3%) and day 2 (100%) as well as enhanced collagen production (187.5 μg/ml) at concentration of 3 μg/ml, compared to that of the controls, 39.4% for fibroblast and 60.8 μg/ml for collagen, respectively. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of the CHCl₃ fraction is found to suppress the iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression.

Conclusion

The scientific investigation of wound healing activity of Boesenbergia longiflora rhizomes support the Thai traditional uses for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, aphthous ulcer and abscess. The EtOH extract and CHCl₃ fraction exert potential wound healing property through NO inhibition, anti-oxidant effect and stimulation of fibroblast migration and collagen production. The phytochemical screening revealed that the CHCl₃ fraction of Boesenbergia longiflora rhizomes contains diarylheptanoids, flavonoids and terpenes. The isolation of the compounds responsible for the wound healing effect is now in progress.     

Exploring the wound healing activity of Arnebia densiflora (Nordm.) Ledeb. by in vivo models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The roots of Arnebia densiflora (Nordm.) Ledeb. (Boraginaceae), which is an endemic plant for Turkey, have been used for healing of wounds in folk medicine. The extract of the roots in olive oil and mostly the root barks was applied onto open wounds for rapid healing.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the wound healing activity of the roots, extracts were prepared with different solvents; hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol, respectively from the roots of Arnebia densiflora.

Materials and methods

Incision by using tensiometer and excision models were employed on mice and rats.

Results

Significant wound healing activity was observed with the ointment formulation prepared by using hexane extract at 1% concentration on the mentioned models. The results of histopathological examination supported the outcome of both incision and excision wound models. The wound healing effect was comparatively evaluated with a reference ointment Madecassol^®.

Conclusion

The experimental data demonstrated that Arnebia densiflora displayed remarkable wound healing activity.     

Wound healing activity of Glycosmis arborea leaf extract in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Glycosmis arborea Roxb, syn. Glycosmis pentaphylla Retz, (Rutacea) is a shrub found all over India, have been used for the healing of wounds of livestock in Indian folk medicine.

Aim of the study

The present study provides a scientific evaluation for the wound healing potential of ethanolic extract of Glycosmis arborea leaves.

Methods and materials

Excision and incision wounds were inflicted upon four groups containing six rats each. Group-1 was assigned as control (ointment base), Group-2 and Group-3 were treated with 5 and 10% EtOH extract ointment. Group-4 was treated with standard Nitrofurazone (0.2%) ointment. The parameters observed were percentage of wound contraction, epithelization period, tensile strength, hydroxyproline content. Ethanolic extract of Glycosmis arborea leaves was given orally at a dose of 200, 400 mg/kg/day in dead space wound model.

Results

Topical application of Glycosmis arborea ointment (10%) in excision wound model significantly (P < 0.05) increased the percentage of wound contraction (96.91%) compared with control (60.27%) and decreased the epithelization time. The tensile strength significantly (P < 0.05) increased in Group-3 at 560.33 ± 6.48 g when compared to control at 319.17 ± 6.16 g. Rats treated with Glycosmis arborea extract (400 mg/kg) showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in hydroxyproline content at 54.94 ± 0.96 mg/g when compared with control at 30.77 ± 1.13 mg/g.

Conclusion

The ethanolic extract of Glycosmis arborea facilitated wound healing significantly, corroborating the folk medicinal use of this plant.     

Effects of Astilbe thunbergii rhizomes on wound healing Part 1. Isolation of promotional effectors from Astilbe thunbergii rhizomes on burn wound healing

The dried rhizomes of Astilbe thunbergii (Sieb. et Zucc) Miq (Saxifragaceae) have been traditionally used for the treatments of a sword cut, wound bitten by animals, frost-bite, burn, suppurative dermatitis or skin inflammatory diseases from the Tang period (about 8th century) in China. The physiological actions, especially the wound-healing effects of this drug are not yet well understood. In this study, we examined the effects of an ethanol extract of Astilbe thunbergii rhizomes on burn wound healing in mice. The topical application at a dose of 100mg ointment per wound of 70% ethanol extract (0.5 or 1.0% (w/w) ointment) of this drug promoted the burn wound healing. The ethanol extract was divided into two fractions (ethyl acetate-soluble and -insoluble fractions), and it was found that the topical application at a dose of 100mg ointment per wound of the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction (0.5 and 1.0% ointment) promoted the burn wound healing. Based on this finding, we attempted to isolate the active substance(s) from the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction. Three active substances 1, 2 and 3, were obtained from A. thunbergii rhizomes as promotional effectors of burn wound healing in mice. Based on the analysis of (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra, compounds 1, 2 and 3 were identified as eucryphin (1), bergenin (2) and astilbin (3), respectively. The effective dose (ED(50)) of compounds 1, 2 and 3 on burn wound healing were 4, 190 and 64 microg/wound, respectively. Among these three compounds, eucryphin (1) promoted the burn wound healing most strongly.     

Evaluation of the wound healing effect of some Jordanian traditional medicinal plants formulated in Pluronic F127 using mice (Mus musculus)

The wound healing effect of the aqueous extracts of Inula viscosa, Ajuga chia, Rubia taenifolia and Parieteria diffusa, and the oil of Laurus nobilis, dispersed in water, were examined. The 10% (w/w) Pluronic F127 (PF127) was added to the applied preparations, in order to modify the aqueous extracts viscosity, and to stabilize the oil dispersion. A full thickness wound was made in the dorsal area of the mice. The wounds were treated with the different preparations with 12h intervals for four times in two successive days. For 16 days, the wounds were visually observed, photographically documented and the wound area was measured. After day 16, the animals were sacrificed and the histology of the wound area was examined. The best wound healing activity was observed with the extract of Inula viscosa, followed by Parieteria diffusa, Laurus nobilis, Ajuga chia and the least active extract was that of Rubia taenifolia.     

Wound healing properties of Carica papaya latex: In vivo evaluation in mice burn model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Carica papaya is traditionally used to treat various skin disorders, including wounds. It is widely used in developing countries as an effective and readily available treatment of various wounds, particularly burns.

The aim of the study

This study was aimed at investigating the healing efficiency of papaya latex formulated as 1.0 and 2.5% hydrogels.

Materials and methods

Burns were induced in Swiss albino mice divided into five groups as following; Group-I (negative control) received no treatment. Group-II was treated with Carbopol 974P NF empty gel. Groups-III and -IV were treated with Carbopol gel containing 1.0 and 2.5% of dried papaya latex, respectively. Group-V (positive control) received the standard drug (silver sulphadiazine and chlorhexidine gluconate cream). The efficacy of treatment was evaluated based on the hydroxyproline content, wound contraction and epithelialization time.

Results

Hydroxyproline content was found to be significantly increased in the Group-III. Significant increase in percentage wound contraction was observed from day 12 in Group-IV and from day 20 in Groups-III and -V. The epithelialization time was found to be the shortest in Group-IV.

Conclusion

It may be concluded that papaya latex formulated in the Carbopol gel is effective in the treatment of burns and thus supports its traditional use.     

Wound healing activity of latex of Euphorbia caducifolia

Ethanopharmacological relevance

Euphorbia caducifolia is a Euphorbiaceae species native to Thar Desert of India, where latex of E. caducifolia (ECL) is used by the local inhabitants for treatment of bleeding wound, cutaneous eruption and other skin diseases. Looking to the medicinal importance of the plant, it was considered worthwhile to scientifically evaluate the ECL for the wound healing activity.

Material and methods

In vitro methods, clotting of platelet free plasma and angiogenesis in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CCM) were used for studying effect of ECL on clotting and angiogenesis. Excision and incision wounds model were used to study effect of ECL on wound contraction, tensile strength and hydroxyproline and DNA content.

Results

ECL treatment stimulates the blood vessel formation in CCM, at the all dose levels. 56.77, 74.48 and 78.09% increase in area of angiogenesis was observed in ECL 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg/ml treated groups respectively. The excised skin of ECL 5.0 and 10 mg/ml treated animals found to have higher content of hydroxyproline and DNA, when compared with control group. An acceleration of the wound closure was observed with an enhanced number of fibroblasts and collagen content in ECL treated mice.

Conclusion

Result of in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that ECL exerts significant wound healing activity, demonstrating its relevant therapeutic potential.     

An ethnopharmacological study on Verbascum species: From conventional wound healing use to scientific verification

Aim of the study

The leaves, flowers, and whole aerial parts of Verbascum L. (Scrophulariaceae) species are used to treat eczema and other types of inflammatory skin conditions and as a desiccant for wounds in Turkish traditional medicine. In the present study, the methanolic extracts of 13 Verbascum species growing in Turkey, including Verbascum chionophyllum Hub.-Mor., Verbascum cilicicum Boiss., Verbascum dudleyanum (Hub.-Mor.) Hub.-Mor., Verbascum lasianthum Boiss., Verbascum latisepalum Hub.-Mor., Verbascum mucronatum Lam., Verbascum olympicum Boiss., Verbascum pterocalycinum var. mutense Hub.-Mor., Verbascum pycnostachyum Boiss. & Heldr., Verbascum salviifolium Boiss., Verbascum splendidum Boiss., Verbascum stachydifolium Boiss. & Heldr and Verbascum uschackense (Murb.) Hub.-Mor. were assessed for their in vivo wound healing activity.

Material and methods

In vivo wound healing activity of the plants were evaluated by linear incision and circular excision experimental models subsequently histopathological analysis. The healing potential was comparatively assessed with a reference ointment Madecassol^®, which contains 1% extract of Centella asiatica.

Results

The methanolic extracts of Verbascum olympicum, Verbascum stachydifolium and Verbascum uschackense demonstrated the highest activities on the both wound models. Moreover, the methanolic extracts of Verbascum latisepalum, Verbascum mucronatum, and Verbascum pterocalycinum var. mutense were found generally highly effective. On the other hand, the rest of the species did not show any remarkable wound healing effect. Results of the present study support the continued and expanded utilization of these plant species employed in Turkish folk medicine.

Conclusion

The experimental study revealed that Verbascum species display remarkable wound healing activity.     

Determination of the wound healing effect of Calendula extracts using the scratch assay with 3T3 fibroblasts

Pharmacological relevance

Presentation of the scratch assay as a convenient and inexpensive in vitro tool to gain first insights in the wound healing potential of plant extracts and natural compounds.

Aim of the study

The present study deals with the optimization of the scratch assay which can be used as an in vitro model for quantification of fibroblast migration to and proliferation into the wounded area. It is suitable for the first evaluation of the wound re-epithelialization potential of crude herbal extracts, isolated compounds and pharmaceutical preparations. As a proof of concept three preparations from traditional medicinal plants were investigated.

Materials and methods

Swiss 3T3 albino mouse fibroblasts were used in monolayers and platelet derived growth factor as positive control. Hexane and ethanolic extracts from Calendula officinalis and Matricaria recutita, Hypericum oil as well as the triterpenoids faradiol myristate and palmitate were studied. To differentiate between proliferation and migration antimitotic mitomycin C was added.

Results

Both extracts of Calendula officinalis stimulated proliferation and migration of fibroblasts at low concentrations, e.g. 10 μg/ml enhanced cell numbers by 64.35% and 70.53%, respectively. Inhibition of proliferation showed that this effect is mainly due to stimulation of migration. Faradiol myristate and palmitate gave comparable stimulation rates at an almost 50 μg/ml concentration, indicating that they contribute partially, but not most significantly to the wound healing effects of Calendula preparations. Extracts from Matricaria recutita were only moderately active. Hypericum oil was cytotoxic at concentrations higher than 0.5 μg/ml.

Conclusions

The scratch assay in the present form can be used as a promising scientific approach and platform to differentiate between plant extracts known for their wound healing and their anti-inflammatory properties.