Wound healing activity of Leucas lavandulaefolia Rees

Synergistic Effect of Sophora japonica and Glycyrrhiza glabra Flavonoid-Rich Fractions on Wound Healing: In Vivo and Molecular Docking Studies

Glycyrrhiza glabra and Sophora japonica (Fabaceae) are well-known medicinal plants with valuable secondary metabolites and pharmacological properties. The flavonoid-rich fractions of G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves were prepared using Diaion column chromatography, and the confirmation of flavonoid richness was confirmed using UPLC-ESI-MS profiling and total phenolics and flavonoids assays. UPLC-ESI-MS profiling of the flavonoid-rich fraction of G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves resulted in the tentative identification of 32 and 23 compounds, respectively. Additionally, the wound healing potential of topical preparations of each fraction, individually and in combination (1:1) ointment and gel preparations, were investigated in vivo, supported by histopathological examinations and biomarker evaluations, as well as molecular docking studies for the major constituents. The topical application of G. glabra ointment and gel, S. japonica ointment and gel and combination preparations significantly increase the wound healing rate and the reduction of oxidative stress in the wound area via MDA reduction and the elevation of reduced GSH and SOD levels as compared to the wound and Nolaver®-treated groups. The molecular docking study revealed that that major compounds in G. glabra and S. japonica can efficiently bind to the active sites of three proteins related to wound healing: glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK3-β), matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Consequently, G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves may be a rich source of bioactive metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.

Purification, Structural Elucidation, and Anticancerous Properties of a Novel Flavonoid from Flowers of Leucas indica

Previously, we showed that the crude methanol extracts of Leucas indica flowers exhibited antioxidant properties and in the current study, crude methanol flower extracts of L. indica showed anticancerous properties as evidenced cytotoxicity (MTT assay test) against the selected cancerous cell lines HeLa, HCT116, HL-60, and MCF-7. Therefore, further analysis was performed to isolate and purify the bioactive compound using activity-guided repeated fractionation of the methanol extract by silica gel column chromatography. After collection of different fractions, all the fractions were subjected to TLC analysis and the fractions which yielded the same compounds on TLC were further analyzed for physicochemical and spectroscopic analyses, e.g., UV, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, COSY, HSQC, and mass spectroscopy. The bioactive compound isolated was elucidated as 6-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-(3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-)(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2yl)-4H-chromen-4-one. Based on the antioxidant and anticancerous properties, L. indica might be a promising source of useful natural products and the newly bioactive compound might offer opportunities to develop new anticancerous drugs.

Sorocea guilleminiana Gaudich.: Wound healing activity, action mechanisms, and chemical characterization of the leaf infusion

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sorocea guilleminina Gaudich. is a tree or shrub endemic to Brazil. Its leaves are used in Brazilian folk medicine for the healing of wounds, stomach problems, inflammation and as diuretic. The present study evaluates the activity and action mechanisms of the healing properties of the aqueous extract of S. guilleminiana leaves (AESg), in experimental models in vivo and in vitro, as well as performs a phytochemical analysis of the extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The AESg was prepared by infusion: Ten g of dry leaves powder in 1 L hot water, soaked for 15 min, filtered, lyophilized, and stored at -30 °C. Phytochemical analyses were realized by colorimetry and HPLC/ESI/MS. Its' in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated on fibroblastic N3T3 cells. The potential of the wound healing activity in vivo was evaluated using excision and incision wound rat models, by histopathology of the injured skin along with the determination of nitric oxide, cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α), and antioxidant parameters (GSH, MPO and CAT). In vitro wound healing activity was also demonstrated in scratched N3T3 cells, by measuring the proliferation/migration rate.

RESULTS

The phytochemical analysis of the AESg revealed a strong presence of polar compounds, especially flavonoids (4 majoritarian), as well as terpenes and/or sterols (2 majoritarian). The AESg showed no toxicity in the N3T3 cell line (IC₅₀ > 800 μg/mL). Topical treatment with the AESg showed an increase (p < 0.05) in wound contraction with 2 mg/g cream on days 5 and 9 (43.56% and 6.70% increase, respectively), and with 50 mg/g on days 7 and 9 (10.88% and 7.91%, respectively), compared to the vehicle (non-ionic neutral cream). Topical application of AESg (2 or 50 mg/g non-ionic cream) in incised wounds caused an increase in the force necessary for the rupture of the wound when compared to the vehicle group. No changes in cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10, or TNF-α) or NO accumulation was found with up to 50 mg/g AESg treatment. For antioxidant activity on the incision wound, an increase in GSH levels was denoted with the AESg use, at the lowest and highest dose (2 and 50 mg/g) by 75.86% and 61.20% respectively, when compared to the vehicle. Also, the CAT activity was accentuated by AESg at the highest dose (50 mg/g) by 85.87%. Finally, the AESg at all doses attenuated MPO activity significantly in the incision wound by 71.35%, 73.21%, 78.08%, respectively. In the scratch test on N3T3 cells, the treatment with AESg resulted also in an increase in fibroblast proliferation/migration rate, compared to the vehicle.

CONCLUSION

AESg is not cytotoxic. The results confirm the popular use of the leaf infusion of S. guilleminiana for the treatment of cutaneous wounds, possibly by stimulating the proliferation of fibroblasts with a consequent deposition of collagen, fastening rearrangement of collagen fibers, and greater transformation into myofibroblasts, essential in the healing process. Preliminary chemical analyzes of AESg revealed the presence mainly of phenolic compounds, being salicylic acid, gallic acid, pinocembrin and isoquercitrin the majoritarian ones.

Appraisal on the wound healing potential of Melaleuca alternifolia and Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil-loaded chitosan topical preparations

The present study investigates the wound healing potential of three chitosan-based topical preparations loaded with either tea tree essential oil, rosemary essential oil or a mixture of both oils in vivo. Essential oils of M. alternifolia and R. officinalis were analyzed using GC/MS. Essential oil-loaded chitosan topical preparations were formulated. Wound healing potential was evaluated in vivo using an excision wound model in rats. GC/MS analysis of M. alternifolia and R. officinalis essential oils revealed richness in oxygenated monoterpenes, representing 51.06% and 69.61% of the total oil composition, respectively. Topical application of chitosan-based formulation loaded with a mixture of tea tree and rosemary oils resulted in a significant increase in wound contraction percentage compared to either group treated with individual essential oils and the untreated group. Histopathological examination revealed that topical application of tea tree and rosemary oil combination demonstrated complete re-epithelialization associated with activated hair follicles. The high percentage of oxygenated monoterpenes in both essential oils play an important role in the antioxidant and wound healing potential observed herein. Incorporation of tea tree and rosemary essential oils in chitosan-based preparations in appropriate combination could efficiently promote different stages of wound healing.

Fatty acid profiling and multivariate analysis in the genus Leucas reveals its nutritional, pharmaceutical and chemotaxonomic significance

Genus Leucas with about 41 species found in India, is an Asian genus with separation from its close relatives in Africa based on phylogenetic evidence. Present study represents the only comprehensive phytochemical investigation on this genus. We have analyzed the seed fatty acid compositions of 26 species and five varieties of Leucas for nutritional, pharmaceutical and chemotaxonomic perspectives. The fatty acids and their composition in seeds of Leucas species, collected from different geographical regions in India, were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Significant variations have been observed in fatty acid profiles among species and their varieties. We observed major fatty acids as palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and laballenic acid; whereas myristic, palmitoleic, cis-vaccenic, linolenic, eicosanoic, eicosenoic, phlomic and docosanoic acid were detected in minor quantities. Laballenic and phlomic acids are unusual allenic fatty acids found in few Lamiaceae members from order Lamiales. Laballenic acid, a proven molecule of pharmaceutical importance, was observed in all the Leucas species studied. Three species of Leucas; L. helianthimifolia, L. ciliata var. vestita and L. hirta were found to contain ≥40% laballenic acid and can act as potential source for isolation of pharmaceutical compounds. This study also reports the presence of another allenic fatty acid, phlomic acid, in several Leucas species. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis showed a distinct separation among the species based on abundance of similar fatty acids. The fatty acid profile appears to be overlapping at higher level and does not support separation of Asian Leucas from its African relatives and the inclusion of Asian taxa in morphologic sections. However, hierarchical clustering of L. helianthimifolia, L. ciliata var. vestita and L. hirta supported treatment under the morphologic section Astrodon. Multivariate analysis on the chemometric data also supported this cluster as the most prominent source of medicinally useful laballenic acid. Based on the FAs profile, a reconsideration of species boundaries in L. ciliata and L. marrubioides species complex is proposed.

Chemical Composition, In Vitro Antimicrobial, Free-Radical-Scavenging and Antioxidant Activities of the Essential Oil of Leucas inflata Benth

The essential oil of Leucas inflata Balf.f. (Lamiaceae), collected in Yemen, was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. Forty-three components were recognized, representing 89.2% of the total oil. The L. inflata volatile oil was found to contain a high percentage of aliphatic acids (51.1%). Hexadecanoic acid (32.8%) and n-dodecanoic acid (7.8%) were identified as the major compounds. Oxygenated monoterpenes were distinguished as the second significant group of constituents (16.0%). Camphor (6.1%) and linalool (3.2%) were found to be the main components among the oxygenated monoterpenes. In addition, the volatile oil was assessed for its antimicrobial activity against four bacterial strains and one yeast species using broth micro-dilution assay for minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). In addition, antioxidant activity was measured utilizing the anti-radical activity of the sable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-Carotene-linoleic acid assays. The oil of L. inflata showed an excellent antibacterial activity against only the tested Gram-positive bacteria with a MIC-value of 0.81 mg/mL. Furthermore, the oil demonstrated, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, a weak to moderate antiradical and antioxidant activity of 38% and 32%, respectively.

Genotoxicity assessment of two common curing weeds: Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poir. and Leucas indica (L.) R. Br

Hyptis suaveolens and Leucas indica, two common weeds were selected for the present study, to reveal their probable cytotoxic potential. The meristematic root tips of Allium cepa were used for testing the cytotoxic property of the aqueous leaf extracts containing both polar and non-polar compounds, and that containing polar compounds alone, at different concentrations (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 %) and at different time durations, using distilled water as negative control. Mitotic squash preparations were made using a standard protocol. The mitotic index of the treated root tip cells was found to be decreasing and the abnormality percentage was found to be increasing with increase in extract concentration when compared with the control. Maximum cytotoxicity was observed in the extract containing both polar and non-polar compounds. Both the tested plants were found to be cytotoxic. The abnormalities noticed were of both clastogenic (nuclear lesions, nuclear fragmentation, etc.) and non-clastogenic (aberrant cell wall formation at cytokinesis, ball metaphase, etc.) types. Both plant extracts were found to significantly (P < 0.05) inhibit root growth of Allium cepa with an EC50 value of 1.92 % (R(2) = 0.594) for Hyptis and 1.58 % (R(2) = 0.757) for Leucas. The results were also analysed statistically by using analysis of variance followed by appropriate post hoc tests. These two weeds are aromatic plants comprising of essential oils that are volatile, natural complex compounds characterized by a strong odour and formed as secondary metabolites. In nature, essential oils play an important role in the protection of the plants as insecticides by reducing their appetite for such plants. When specifically targeted the concept of effectively exploiting these weeds for the formulation of herbal insecticides/pesticides may be possible in the near future.

Wound healing properties of quince seed mucilage: in vivo evaluation in rabbit full-thickness wound model

OBJECTIVE

Quince seed mucilage (QSM) has been used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of skin wounds and burns. Recent studies indicated that QSM accelerated wound healing. The present study was undertaken to investigate the healing efficiency of QSM formulated as 5%, 10%, and 20% creams in eucerin base with especial attention on growth factors involving in wound healing.

METHODS

Full thickness wounds were created in Iranian male rabbits divided into five experimental groups (n = 6), as negative control, eucerin and treatments. Negative control group did not receive any treatment. Eucerin group received topical eucerin, twice a day. Treatment groups were treated topically by creams of QSM 5%, 10% and 20% (w/w) in eucerin base, twice daily. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated based on wound contraction, haydroxyproline content, tensile strength of wound tissue. The levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) were also determined in serum and wound fluid of tested animals.

RESULTS

Results showed that there were statistically significant differences in wound contraction between QSM 10 and 20% creams treatments groups and control groups (P < 0.05) in most of the days. Rabbits treated with QSM 20% cream had the best results (completed healing in 13 days, higher hydroxyproline content, higher tissue resistance and higher wound fluid levels of evaluated growth factors).

CONCLUSION

We concluded tha QSM in 10-20% concentrations have a good potential for promote wound healing thus supports its traditional use.

Topical vitamin K1 promotes repair of full thickness wound in rat

OBJECTIVES

Application of vitamin K to the skin has been used for suppression of pigmentation and resolution of bruising. However, in rats, no study was reported on its effect regarding wound healing. Thus, the present study was designed to examine the healing effects of creams prepared from vitamin K1 on full-thickness wound in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For inducing full-thickness wound in rats, the excisional wound model was used. Five groups consisting of 8 rats each were used. Vitamin K cream (1% and 2%, w/w) was prepared in eucerin base and applied on the wound once a day until complete healing had occurred. Healing was defined by decreased wound margin (wound contraction), re-epithelialization, tensile strength and hydroxyproline content. Histopathological examination was also done.

RESULTS

The effects produced by the topical vitamin K showed significant (P < 0.01) healing when compared with control group in parameters such as wound contraction, epithelialization period, hydroxyproline content and tensile strength. Histopathological studies also showed improvement with vitamin K.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical vitamin K demonstrates wound healing potential in full-thickness wound model.

Wound Healing Activity of the Inflorescence of Typha elephantina (Cattail)

Methanolic extracts of Typha elephantina inflorescence (TE) and its bandage were screened for wound healing by incision and excision wound models in Wistar rats. In the incision wound model, incision wounds were topically treated with TE gel (2.0% [w/w], 3.0% [w/w], and 5.0% [w/w]), Typha elephantina inflorescence bandage, and the reference standard 5.0% w/w povidone iodine for a period of 10 days. When the wounds healed thoroughly, sutures were removed on the 8th postwounding day, and the tensile strength of the skin was measured on the 10th day. In the excision wound model, excision wounds were treated with TE gel (3.0% [w/w] and 5.0% [w/w]), inflorescence bandage, and 5.0% w/w povidone iodine till the wounds completely healed. Epithelization time, wound contraction, hydroxyproline and hexosamine content of the scab, and ascorbic acid and malondialdehyde content of the plasma were determined in this model. In the incision wound model, high tensile strength of the skin of the healed wound was observed in rats treated with the TE gels and the inflorescence bandage when compared with wounded control rats. The increase in tensile strength indicates a promotion of collagen fibers and a firm knitting of the disrupted wound surfaces by collagen. In the excision wound model, higher rate of wound contraction, decreased period of epithelization, elevated hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and ascorbic acid levels, and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde content was observed in treated groups when compared with the wounded control animals. It may be concluded that the inflorescence of Typha elephantina possesses a potent wound healing activity, which may be due to an underlying antioxidant mechanism.

Wound healing potential of formulated extract from hibiscus sabdariffa calyx

Wound healing agents support the natural healing process, reduce trauma and likelihood of secondary infections and hasten wound closure. The wound healing activities of water in oil cream of the methanol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) was evaluated in rats with superficial skin excision wounds. Antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Echerichia coli were determined. The total flavonoid content, antioxidant properties and thin layer chromatographic fingerprints of the extract were also evaluated. The extract demonstrated antioxidant properties with a total flavonoid content of 12.30±0.09 mg/g. Six reproducible spots were obtained using methanol:water (95:5) as the mobile phase. The extract showed no antimicrobial activity on the selected microorganisms, which are known to infect and retard wound healing. Creams containing H. sabdariffa extract showed significant (P<0.05) and concentration dependent wound healing activities. There was also evidence of synergism with creams containing a combination of gentamicin and H. sabdariffa extract. This study, thus, provides evidence of the wound healing potentials of the formulated extract of the calyces of H. sabdariffa and synergism when co-formulated with gentamicin.

Study of wound healing activity of Tectona grandis Linn. leaf extract on rats

AIMS

The aim of the study is to determine the wound healing activity of Tectona grandis (TG) Linn. leaf extract on rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Healthy albino rats (150-200 g) of either sex were taken for excision and incision wound model. Animals were divided into four groups of six animals in each group. For Group simple ointment served as control. The Groups 2 and 3 had 5 and 10% ointment of TG leaf extract and Group 4 soframycin ointment served as standard. In excision wound percentage of wound contraction was assessed, whereas in incision wound tensile strength was assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance followed by t-test.

RESULTS

In excision wound model, 5% ointment of TG leaf extract showed a reduction in wound area 8(th) day onwards. Reduction in wound area was very significant (P < 0.01) as compared to control. Whereas 10% ointment of TG leaf extract and standard showed a reduction in wound area fourth day onwards, which was highly significant (P < 0.001) as compared to control. In incision wound model, animals treated with 5% ointment of TG leaf extract showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in tensile strength as compare to control. However, animals treated with 10% ointment of TG leaf extract showed very significant (P < 0.001) increase in tensile strength as compare with control. However, animals treated with soframycin showed highly significant (P < 0.001) increase in tensile strength as compare with control.

CONCLUSIONS

TG leaf extract showed significant wound healing activity.

Brassica nigra plays a remedy role in hepatic and renal damage

CONTEXT

Black mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch] of the Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) family is commonly used as a spice and a cheap source of antimicrobial agents for bacterial infections.

OBJECTIVES

The present investigation was to demonstrate the protective effect of the methanol extract of B. nigra leaves against D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced hepatic and nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats.

METHODS

Activity of the methanol extract of B. nigra at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt. against D-GalN (500 mg/kg b.wt.) induced toxicity, with silymarin used as the standard. Histological damage, activities of serum marker enzyme, hematological changes, metabolites such as bilirubin, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels, tissue thiobarbutric acid reactive substance, enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants and inflammatory marker enzymes such as myeloperoxidase, cathepsin D, and acid phosphatase were assessed.

RESULTS

The D-GalN-induced toxicity was evident from a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the serum and tissue inflammatory markers in toxic rats, when compared with the control (saline alone treated animals). The B. nigra pretreated groups (200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt.) showed significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the D-GalN-induced toxicity as obvious from biochemical parameters. Histopathological observations confirm the protective effect of B. nigra leaf extract by reduction in hepatic and renal tissue damage. Experimentals extract showed a similar effect as the standard.

CONCLUSIONS

The crude methanol extract of B. nigra leaf lacks inherent toxicity and exhibits hepatic and nephroprotective effects against D-GalN-induced toxicity in Wistar rats.

A review: Ethnobotanical survey of genus Leucas

Plants of genus Leucas (Lamiaceae) are widely distributed throughout Asia, Africa, and India. The plant is used in traditional medicine to cure many diseases such as cough, cold, diarrhea, and inflammatory skin disorder. A variety of phytoconstituents have been isolated from the Leucas species, which include lignans, flavonoids, coumarins, steroids, terpenes, fatty acids, and aliphatic long-chain compounds. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diarrheal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and insecticidal activities have been reported in the extracts of these plants and their phytoconstituents. An overview of the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological investigations on the Leucas species is presented in this review.

Appraisal on the wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oils obtained from the cones and needles of Pinus species by in vivo and in vitro experimental models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to ethnobotanical data, Pinus species have been used against rheumatic pain and for wound healing in Turkish folk medicine. Essential oils from the cones and needles of five different Pinus species (Pinus brutia Ten., Pinus halepensis Mill., Pinus nigra Arn., Pinus pinea L. and Pinus sylvestris L.) were evaluated for their in vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo wound healing activity of the ointments prepared from essential oils was evaluated by linear incision and circular excision experimental wound models subsequently histopathological analysis and hydroxyproline content. Furthermore, the essential oils were screened for anti-hyaluronidase activity. Additionally anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by using the method of Whittle, which is based on the inhibition of acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability.

RESULTS

The essential oils obtained from the cones of Pinus pinea and Pinus halepensis demonstrated the highest effects on the wound healing activity models. On the other hand, the rest of the essential oils did not show any significant wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.

CONCLUSION

The experimental study revealed that essential oils obtained from the cones of Pinus pinea and Pinus halepensis display remarkable wound healing activity.

Effect of Ficus hispida L. on normal and dexamethasone suppressed wound healing

Ethanolic extract of roots of Ficus hispida was investigated in normal and dexamethasone depressed healing conditions, using incision, excision and dead space wound models in albino rats. The root extract of Ficus hispida has shown the maximum breaking strength compared to control group. The rate of epithelialization and wound contraction in excision model was better as compared to control groups. There was significant increase in granulation tissue weight and hydroxyproline content in dead space model compared to control group. The antihealing effect of dexamethasone was also reverted by the administration of ethanolic extract of Ficus hispida in all the wound models .The results indicated that the root extract of Ficus hispida has a significant wound healing activity and also promotes healing in dexamethasone depressed healing conditions.

Topical grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extract promotes repair of full thickness wound in rabbit

In recent years, oxidative stress and free radicals have been implicated in impaired wound healing. Grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extract (GSE) possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present study was undertaken to assess the potential activity of grape seed hydroalcoholic extract in wound healing in rabbits. Rabbits of either sex were subjected to a 20 × 20 mm square excision made over the skin of the back. The animals were randomly divided into seven experimental groups, as negative and positive control, eucerin and treatments. Negative control group did not receive any treatment. Positive control and eucerin groups received phenytoin cream (1%) and topical eucerin, respectively, twice a day from the beginning of experiments to complete wound closure. Treatment groups were treated topically by cream of GSE (2, 5, 10 and 70% w/w) in eucerin base, twice daily. For evaluation of the percentage of wound healing, area of the wound was measured daily. Histological studies were performed on the 7th and 15th days of treatments. After complete healing, hydroxyproline content and tensile strength measurement of tissue samples were done. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences between GSE treatments groups and eucerin animals (P < 0·05) in most of the days. Rabbits treated with 2% GSE had best results (completed healing in 13 days, higher hydroxyproline content and higher tissue resistance). We concluded that the extract of 2% GSE administered topically has a good potential to promote wound healing in wound model of rabbits.

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, 400mg/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 ± 6.48g when compared to control at 319.17±6.16 g. Rats treated with Glycosmis arborea extract (400mg/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.

Assessment of Wound Healing Activity of the Aqueous Extracts of Colutea cilicica Boiss. & Bal. Fruits and Leaves

The fruiting branches of Colutea cilicica Boiss. & Bal., along with leaves and fruits, have been used to heal inflammatory wounds at traditional medicine in various parts of Turkey. In order to evaluate the wound healing activity of the plant, aqueous extracts were prepared from the flowering parts and fruits of Colutea cilicica Boiss. & Bal. by using 40°C distilled water. Incision wound healing models by using tensiometer on rats and excision wound healing models on mice were employed to assess the activity. Significant wound healing activity was observed when ointment formulation of the aqueous extract at 1% concentration was applied on the mentioned models. The fruit extract treated the groups of animals, showing a 78.1% contraction in wounds, which was close to the contraction value of the reference drug Madecassol (100%). On the other hand, the same extract used on the incision wound model demonstrated a significant increase (42%) in wound tensile strength, compared to the flowering aerial parts. Histopathological examination also supported the results shown in both the incision and excision wound models. The wound healing effect was evaluated and compared with the reference ointment Madecassol. Moreover, zinc and vitamin C levels in the fruit (9480 ± 0 mcg g(-1); 389 mg g(-1)) and flowering aerial part (6609 ± 1 mcg g(-1); 404 mg g(-1)) extracts, which might have contributed to the wound healing process, were determined. The experimental data confirmed the traditional usage of C. cilicica Boiss. & Bal.

Evaluation of the burn healing properties of oil extraction from housefly larva in mice

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the burn wound-healing properties of oil extraction from housefly larva by employing a deep second-degree model in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The burn wound-healing properties were evaluated by employing a deep second-degree model of burn wound assay. The anti-inflammatory activity and antibacterial activity were examined by employing the xylene-induced ear swelling model in mice and a disc-diffusion assay, respectively.

RESULTS

The best wound-healing activity was observed with the oil extract of housefly larva, followed by Ching Wan Hung and the least active was that of saline solution. The oil extraction from housefly larva suppressed xylene-induced ear swelling in mice with 35.3% of the inhibition rate at the dose of 0.1 ml/30 g. The disc-diffusion assay of housefly larva oil showed positive effect to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, exhibiting no antibacterial activity to Escherichia coli.

CONCLUSION

The study provides useful information that the housefly larva oil could be used as a natural ointment to heal the burn wound.

Wound healing potential of methanolic extract of Trichosanthes dioica Roxb (fruits) in rats

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study provides a scientific evaluation for the wound healing potential of methanolic (MeOH) extract of TDR fruits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Excision and incision wounds were inflicted upon three groups of six rats each. Group I was assigned as control (ointment base), Group II was treated with standard silver sulfadiazine (0.01%) cream. Group III was treated with 5% MeOH extract ointment. The parameters observed were percentage of wound contraction, epithelialization period, hydroxyproline content, tensile strength including histopathological studies.

RESULTS

It was noted that the effect produced by the extract ointment showed significant (P<0.01) healing in both the wound models when compared with control group. All parameters such as wound contraction, epithelialization period, hydroxyproline content, tensile strength and histopathological studies showed significant changes when compared to control.

CONCLUSION

The result shows that TDR extract ointment demonstrates wound healing potential in both excision and incision models.

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.

A new phenylpropanoid glycoside from Leucas indica Linn

A new phenylpropanoid glycoside, alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-1-O-caffeoyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) along with two known phenylethanoid glycosides (2-3) has been isolated from the aerial parts of Leucas indica Linn. Their structures were deduced from the spectroscopic studies and compared with the literature values.

Wound healing, anti-microbial and antioxidant potential of Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f) Ettingsh

Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f) Ettingsh (Loranthaceae) of the order Santalales, is used ethnomedicinally for treating ulcers, asthma, impotence, paralysis, skin diseases, and wounds. In this context, validations of the ethnotherapeutic claims of the plant in wound healing activity was studied, besides anti-microbial activity and antioxidant activity were performed to understand the mechanism of wound healing potency. The ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Dendrophthoe falcata ethanolic extract (DFEE) was investigated for the evaluation of its healing efficiency on excision and incision wound models in rats. The results showed that Dendrophthoe falcata extract has potent wound healing capacity as evident from the wound contraction and increased tensile strength. Hydroxyproline and hexosamine expressions were also well correlative with the healing pattern observed. Three of the fractions A-C (petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol, respectively) obtained from the extract exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against the organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Serratia marcescens, and five fungi Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis: dimorphic fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger: systemic fungi, and some infectious bacteria Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi. The results also indicated that DFEE possesses potent antioxidant activity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase levels and increased the catalase activity.

Evaluation of Wound-Healing Potential of Pisonia grandis R.Br: A Preclinical Study in Wistar Rats

Pisonia grandis R.Br (family: Nyctaginaceae) is a herb claimed to be used for treatment of inflammation, wound healing, algesia, and ulcer. The present study was done to evaluate the wound-healing potential of methanolic extract of its leaves. Following preliminary photochemical evaluation, the extract was incorporated in simple ointment base and evaluated using 2 types of wound models in Wistar rats—excision wound and incision wound. The results were significantly different ( p <0.05) when compared with control group for wound contraction, tensile strength, and histopathological and biological parameters. Antibacterial studies against different bacterial strains of the test samples were performed by the disk-diffusion method and were compared with standard ofloxacin and erythromycin. Test sample showed comparable zone of inhibition to the standards. It is hypothesized that the presence of phytoconstituents with the antibacterial effect helps in wound healing.

Evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant and wound-healing potentials of Holoptelea integrifolia

The methanolic extracts of Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.) (Urticaceae) leaves (MLE) and stem bark (MSBE) were studied for the wound-healing potential. Since wound healing is severely hampered by microbial infection and reactive oxygen species (ROS), this study was undertaken to evaluate antimicrobial and antioxidant activity apart from wound-healing activity. The antimicrobial property of the Holoptelea was studied against the six bacterial and five fungal strains using the agar well diffusion method and minimum microbicidal concentration and minimum inhibitory concentration were determined for each strain, in which methanolic extract of stem bark (MSBE) has shown bigger zone of inhibition (11.3-20.4 mm) than methanolic extract of leaves (MLE) (9.6-14.9 mm). The anti-oxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH free radical scavenging activity using HPLC method. The IC(50) values obtained for MSBE (TPC: 78.53+/-1.26 mg/g) and MLE (TPC: 57.71+/-1.45 mg/g) were 37.66+/-0.48 and 50.36+/-0.59 microg/well, respectively. In excision wound model, more than 90% wound healing was recorded in treated groups by 14 days of post surgery, where as only 62.99% was observed in the control group. In incision model, higher breaking strengths and higher hydroxyproline content in treated groups suggested higher collagen re-deposition than the control group. Finally, histopathology studies conformed wound-healing activity of Holoptelea integrifolia.

Ethnopharmacological approaches to wound healing--exploring medicinal plants of India

India has a rich tradition of plant-based knowledge on healthcare. A large number of plants/plant extracts/decoctions or pastes are equally used by tribals and folklore traditions in India for treatment of cuts, wounds, and burns. The present review thus attempts to analyze the ethnobotanical knowledge base for treatment of cuts and wounds which includes a usage of plants, methods employed by tribals and folklore practices prevailing in India. Pharmacological reports available on Indian medicinal plants employing various wound healing models and its underlying molecular mechanism, wherever available, has also been briefly reviewed. This pharmacological validation on Indian medicinal plants is very limited and a large number of plants used in tribal and folklore with enormous potential have not been validated for their wound healing activity. This review therefore attempts to bridge the lacunae in the existing literature and offers immense scope for researchers engaged in validation of the traditional claims and development of safe and effective and globally accepted herbal drugs for cuts and wounds.

Free radical scavenging phenylethanoid glycosides from Leucas indica Linn

A new phenylethanoid glycoside, 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-ethyl-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-4-O-E-feruloyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3-O-methyl poliu-moside, 1) along with five known phenylethanoid glycosides (2-6) were isolated from the aerial parts of Leucas indica Linn. The structure of compound 1 has been elucidated on the basis of spectral data. Compounds 1-6 exhibited significant antioxidant activity in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay method. These compounds were also found to be moderate inhibitors of xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme.

Purification of antibacterial agents from Tragia involucrata--a popular tribal medicine for wound healing

Tragia involucrata has been widely used in traditional systems of medicine for a variety of diseases. In the present study, in vitro antibacterial properties of nine different compounds including vinyl hexylether, shellsol, 2,4-dimethyl hexane, 2-methylnonane and 2,6-dimethyl heptane were isolated from the leaf of Tragia involucrata studied against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus aureus using the disc-diffusion method at 50 microg/ml concentrations. The compound vinyl hexylether showed a broad spectrum of activity. The highest activity was found in shellsol (50 microg/ml) against Proteusvulgaris and Staphylococcus aureus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined for the effective compounds (MICs 2.5-40 microg/ml), shellsol and vinyl hexylether showed inhibitory action at the lowest dilution (10 microg/ml) than 2-methylnanone. Shellsol inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus very effectively than the other compounds. These compounds showed bactericidal effects against all the tested bacteria (MBC, 12.25 microg/ml). However, the compound shellsol showed effective killing of wound causing bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). So, the study was focused on the constituent to evaluate wound healing in rat model. Rats that received 50 microg/kg, b.w. of shellsol showed complete healing after 24 days. Histological examination revealed an increase in the fibroblast, neovascularization, granulation and thickness of scar tissue after the treatment of shellsol as compared to control. The topical application of shellsol did not cause any toxic response on rat skin. Thus, the antibacterial properties of the constituents give some scientific basis to its usage in traditional medicine.

Wound healing potential of Tragia involucrata extract in rats

The methanol extract of the roots of Tragia involucrata topically tested at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg exerted significant wound healing effect in Staphylococcus aureus-induced excision wound in rats.

In vivo wound-healing activity of oleanolic acid derived from the acid hydrolysis of Anredera diffusa

Anredera diffusa is used as a wound-healing agent in traditional Peruvian medicine. Acid hydrolysis of the bioactive ethanolic extract, followed by in vivo activity-guided fractionation, yielded oleanolic acid, with a wound-healing activity equivalent to 42.9% (p < 0.01) above the control. The highest cicatrizant activity in mice was obtained by applying 40 microg of oleanolic acid per gram of body weight.

A comparison of wound healing following treatment withLavandula xallardii honey or essential oil

The increased interest in complementary therapies has led to the investigation of products traditionally believed to have a beneficial effect in wound healing. Two such products are honey and lavender essential oil. In this study a rat excisional wound model was used to investigate the action of Lavandula x allardii honey and essential oil, and a standard therapeutic honey (Medihoney). Four 8 mm wounds were created surgically on the dorsal surface of each rat and honey or essential oil applied to the wounds twice a day for 4 days. Wound healing was analysed by wound contraction and capillary volume at 5 and 12 days post-surgery. Although no statistically significant difference in wound contraction was observed for the essential oil or honey treated wounds relative to the untreated control, both honeys were shown to reduce the capillary volume in the wound site at day 12 with no difference between the honeys (control 154 +/- 14 microm(3) vs L. x allardii honey 77 +/- 18 microm(3) and Medihoney 89 +/- 39 microm(3), p < 0.001; mean +/- SD). This suggests that scar maturation in these animals was more advanced than in other groups. These data suggest that L. x allardii honey, but not essential oil, has a beneficial action in wound healing.

In vitro tests and ethnopharmacological investigations: wound healing as an example

In vitro tests are now widely employed in ethnopharmacological research because of ethical reasons and their usefulness in bioactive-guided fractionation and determination of active compounds. For many disease conditions, a variety of in vitro tests can now be employed as the biochemical mechanisms underlying disease and healing processes are understood. Approaches to the in vitro investigations of wound healing processes are exemplified by studies on extracts of Buddleja species and three Ghanaian species Spathodea campanulata, Commelina diffusa and Secamone afzelii. Most studies have been carried out on Buddleja officinalis or Buddleja globosa. The extracts have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties due to flavonoids, triterpenoids, diterpenoids and caffeic acid derivatives. There appears to a slight effect on proliferation of fibroblasts at lower concentrations, but this was not significant, and higher concentrations appeared to be cytotoxic. Novel findings are the ability of Buddleja globosa leaf extracts to induce differentiation in keratinocytes and to alter the profile of proteins produced by cultured fibroblasts. Extracts also had some effect on lattice contraction. The three Ghanaian species examined show a mixture of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The evolution over recent years of tests for wound healing, from in vivo tests to cell-based systems and chemical reactions and on to investigations into effects on secondary messengers and protein expression, is described.

Double incision wound healing bioassay using Hamelia patens from El Salvador

Hamelia patens Jacq. (Rubiaceae) has received little attention in the laboratory for its wound healing ability even though it is commonly used as a treatment for wounds throughout Central America. A double incision wound healing bioassay was carried out with a crude extract of Hamelia patens collected from El Salvador. Animals were divided into three groups. Group I (n = 14) had the left incision treated with 5% (w/w) Hamelia patens and the contralateral side with petroleum jelly (PJ). Group II (n = 14) had the left incision treated with 10% (w/w) ointment and the contralateral side with petroleum jelly. Group III (n = 10) had the left incision treated with petroleum jelly and the contralateral side left untreated. Breaking strength of the incisions was measured on day 7 and day 12. For Groups I and II, there was no significant difference between treatment and control incisions at day 7. On day 12, there was a significant difference between the treated and control incisions for Groups I and II. There was no significant difference between petroleum jelly and untreated incisions for Group III on day 7 and day 12. Hamelia patens does increase breaking strength of wounds significantly more than the control group. Further wound healing studies of this plant are warranted.

Evaluation of wound healing activity of some herbal formulations

The wound healing activity of two herbal formulations (Himax ointment and lotion) containing Indradaru extract, i.e. Arjuna bark (Terminalia arjuna, Family-Combretaceae), extract was evaluated for its wound healing potential in two types of wound models in rats (i) excision wound model and (ii) incision wound model. Both the formulations responded significantly in both the wound models tested. The results were also comparable to that of the standard drug nitrofurazone used as a standard drug for comparison in this present investigation. The results were also comparable in terms of wound contracting ability, epithelization period, tensile strength and regeneration of tissues at the wound area. Thus, this investigation con fi rms the use of the Himax ointment and lotion containing Terminalia arjuna extract as a wound-healing agent as known from folklore medicine.

Psychopharmacological profiles of Leucas Lavandulaefolia Rees

Methanol extract of Leucas lavandulaefolia (LLFE) was evaluated for different psychopharmacological profiles with various animal models in rats and mice. The extract showed a potential reduction in spontaneous activity and caused a significant decrease in exploratory behavioural pattern by the head dip and Y-maze test. It also showed a significant reduction in muscle relaxant activity by rotarod, 30 degrees inclined screen and traction tests. The extract showed a remarkable potentiation of pentobarbitone induced sleeping time in mice.

Evaluation of antipyretic potential of Leucas lavandulaefolia (Labiatae) aerial part extract

Methanol extract of Leucas lavandulaefolia (LLFE) was subjected to antipyretic evaluation with yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. A yeast suspension (10 mL/kg, s.c.) increased the rectal temperature 19 h after administration. The extract at doses of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg (i.p.) produced significant dose dependent lowering of body temperature in yeast-provoked elevation of body temperature in rats. The antipyretic effect produced was comparable to that of a standard antipyretic drug, paracetamol.

Central nervous system activity of Leucas inflata Benth. in mice

The analgesic activity of the methanol and acetone extracts of Leucas inflata L. (family Labiatae) was evaluated in mice using different experimental models. The effect of the two extracts on pentobarbitone-sleeping time, motor activity, sensorimotor coordination, carrageen induced inflammation, and brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia has also been investigated. The two crude extracts have been phytochemically analyzed and some constituents isolated and characterized. These included stigmasterols, a chromone and coumarins. Extracts of L. inflata L., given at single oral doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 g/kg, significantly and dose-dependently, reduced formalin-induced pain, acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions and increased the reaction time in the hot-plate test. Both extracts caused significant and dose-related impairment in the sensorimotor control and ambulatory and total motor activity of treated mice. Both extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory action by reducing paw edema of treated mice. The extracts did not significantly affect the rectal temperature of normothermic mice. However, they were effective in preventing Brewers yeast induced pyrexia. It is concluded that the crude methanol and acetone extract of L. inflata has CNS depressant properties, manifested as antinociception and sedation. Both extracts have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic actions.

Wound healing effects of Heliotropium indicum, Plumbago zeylanicum and Acalypha indica in rats

The ethanolic extracts of Heliotropium indicum, Plumbago zeylanicum and Acalypha indica were evaluated for their wound healing activity in rats. Wound healing activity was studied using excision and incision wound models in rats following topical application. Animals were divided into four groups with six in each group. Ten percent w/v extract of each plant was prepared in saline for topical application. H. indicum possesses better wound healing activity than P. zeylanicum and A. indica. Tensile strength results indicate better activity of H. indicum on remodeling phase of wound healing.