Novel wound healing powder formulation for the treatment of venous leg ulcers

Ulmus parvifolia Accelerates Skin Wound Healing by Regulating the Expression of MMPs and TGF-β

Ulmus parvifolia is one of the medicinal plants used traditionally for treatment of wounds. We intended to investigate the wound healing effect of the powder of Ulmus parvifolia (UP) root bark in a mouse wound healing model. We also determined the mechanisms of effects of U. parvifolia in skin and skin wound healing effects using a keratinocyte model. Animal experiments showed that the wound lesions in the mice decreased with 200 mesh U. parvifolia root bark powder and were significantly reduced with treatment by UP, compared with those treated with Ulmus macrocarpa (UM). Results from in vitro experiments also revealed that UP extract promoted the migration of human skin keratinocytes. UP powder treatment upregulated the expression of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 protein and significantly increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-β levels. We confirmed that topical administration of the bark powder exerted a significant effect on skin wound healing by upregulating the expression of MMP and transforming growth factor-β. Our study suggests that U. parvifolia may be a potential candidate for skin wound healing including epidermal skin rejuvenation.

Feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of RGN107 in the palliative wound care management of chronic wound symptoms

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility, acceptability and tolerability of RGN107 use, a natural powder blend of Arnica Montana, Calendula Officinalis, Mentha Arvensis and Santalum Album, among hospice patients and their wound caregivers in the palliative wound care management of chronic wound symptoms at end-of-life.

METHOD

Data were collected between May 2013 and November 2015. A pilot trial conducted among 50 hospice patients with symptomatic (pain, odour, or exudate) chronic wounds. Caregivers received initial RGN107 protocol training, actively applied the powder to patient wounds for 4-weeks, and completed an 8-week retrospective survey. Feasibility was assessed by measuring process outcomes, including the number and proportion of participants referred, screened eligible, enrolled, withdrawn and successfully completed. Acceptability measures included: a protocol training evaluation, caregiver pre and post self-efficacy ratings, retrospective usability, symptom control management and comparative technique caregiver ratings, and recorded open-ended comments. Tolerability was assessed through a 12-week cumulative review of the study adverse event profile.

RESULTS

Feasibility, tolerability and acceptability of use of the RGN107 powder for chronic wounds were established. Recruitment goals were achieved and 92 % of the patients successfully completed the study. 95 % of wound caregivers would recommend the powder for use in this population.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the feasibility, acceptability and tolerability of a wound care powder that espouses a multi-symptom palliative comfort care approach for hospice patients with chronic wounds at end-of-life. Further research is needed to establish the efficacy of the powder.