Evaluation of antioxidant and wound healing potentials of Sphaeranthus amaranthoides Burm.f

A Comprehensive Review of Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicity of Prunus africana (Hook. F.) Kalkman from Africa

Prunus africana, a widely utilized medicinal plant in various African ethnic communities, continues to hold significant importance in traditional healing practices. Research has identified phytochemical compounds in this plant, exhibiting diverse pharmacological activities that offer potential for pharmaceutical development. Notably, P. africana is employed in treating various ailments such as wounds, diabetes mellitus, malaria, benign prostatic hyperplasia, chest pain, and prostate cancer. Its pharmacological properties are attributed to a spectrum of bioactive compounds, including tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, and fatty acids. Multiple studies have documented the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiandrogenic, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, antidipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity, analgesic, and astringent properties of P. africana extracts. This review offers a comprehensive compilation of ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical composition, pharmacological effects, and toxicity assessments of P. africana, serving as a foundation for future preclinical and clinical investigations. By understanding its traditional uses and chemical constituents, researchers can target specific medical conditions with greater precision, potentially expediting the development of safe and effective pharmaceuticals. Moreover, toxicity assessments provide crucial insights into the safety profile of P. africana extracts, ensuring the development of safe pharmaceuticals to treat various diseases.

Co-electrospun PCL-collagen nanofibers containing saffron-synthesized gold nanoparticles as an antioxidant wound dressing

Oxidant environment and inflammation are the leading cause of chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers. A dressing containing antioxidants would ensure accelerated wound healing. In this study, electrospun gold nanoparticle (GNP)-embedded nanofibers were developed. GNPs (about 7 nm) were synthesized using saffron extract as a reducing and capping agent (GNP-EXT). For comparison, nanoparticles of the same size were also synthesized using citrate (GNP-CIT). Nanoparticle colloids showed a zeta potential of -27 mV. FTIR confirmed the presence of the extract molecules on the nanoparticles. DPPH assay demonstrated the significant radical scavenging properties of the GNP-EXT. The effect of nanoparticles on the viability of NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells was evaluated with an MTT assay that showed no significant toxicity of nanoparticles even in the highest concentration of 250 ppm. Then poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL)- Collagen nanofibers containing GNPs were electrospun. By using SEM, TEM, ATR-FTIR, and contact angle measurement, the nanofibers were characterized. Proper cell adhesion and spreading was observed on nanofibers by SEM and Alamar blue assay illustrated appropriate cyto-compatibility on the obtained nanofibers after 5 days of cell seeding. Wound healing assay also confirmed the cell supporting properties and biocompatibility. The results suggest that saffron-synthesized GNP-loaded nanofibers would be considered as potential wound dressings.

Phytochemical-Mediated Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Strobilanthes glutinosus: Exploring Biological Applications

The application of green synthesis for silver nanoparticles in nanomedicine has experienced significant growth. Strobilanthes glutinosus, a plant primarily located in the Himalayas, remains largely unexplored. Considering the biomedical value of S. glutinosus, phytochemicals from this plant were used for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized from aqueous extract of root and leaves of Strobilanthes glutinosus. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of plants were determined and compared with nanoparticles. The biomedical efficacy of plant extracts and silver nanoparticles was assessed using antioxidant and antibacterial assays. The UV-Vis spectra of leaf- and root-extract-mediated AgNPs showed characteristic peaks at 428 nm and 429 nm, respectively. TEM images revealed the polycrystalline and spherical shapes of leaf- and root-extract-mediated AgNPs with size ranges of 15-60 nm and 20-52 nm, respectively. FTIR findings shown the involvement of phytochemicals of root and leaf extracts in the reduction of silver ions into silver nanoparticles. The crystalline face-centered cubic structure of nanoparticles is depicted by the XRD spectra of leaf and root AgNPs. The plant has an ample amount of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), which enhance the scavenging activity of plant samples and their respective AgNPs. Leaf and root AgNPs have also shown good antibacterial activity, which may enhance the medicinal value of AgNPs.

Biological Activity of Cyclic Peptide Extracted from Sphaeranthus amaranthoides Using De Novo Sequencing Strategy by Mass Spectrometry for Cancer

Though there are several advancements and developments in cancer therapy, the treatment remains challenging. In recent years, the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from traditional herbs are focused for identifying and developing potential anticancer molecules. In this study, AMPs are identified from Sphaeranthus amaranthoides, a natural medicinal herb widely used as a crucial immune stimulant in Indian medicine. A total of 86 peptide traces were identified using liquid-chromatography–electrospray-ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). Among them, three peptides were sequenced using the manual de novo sequencing technique. The in-silico prediction revealed that SA923 is a cyclic peptide with C-N terminal interaction of the carbon atom of ASP7 with the nitrogen atom of GLU1 (1ELVFYRD7). Thus, SA923 is presented under the orbitides class of peptides, which lack the disulfide bonds for cyclization. In addition, SA923, steered with the physicochemical properties and support vector machine (SVM) algorithm mentioned for the segment, has the highest in silico anticancer potential. Further, the in vitro cytotoxicity assay revealed the peptide has anti-proliferative activity, and toxicity studies were demonstrated in Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos.

Preclinical evidence of polyherbal formulations on wound healing: A systematic review on research trends and perspectives

BACKGROUND

The disruptions in skin integrity contribute to its disorientation, and tissue annihilations result in acute or chronic wound formation. Polyherbal formulations are widely used in traditional systems of mecdicine like ayurveda for wound healing. The combination of these traditional therapies with clinical therapies has helped in the development of various wound-healing products.

METHOD

In this systematic review, the therapeutic potency of several polyherbal formulations from different medicinal floras is summed together in response to their impact on wound healing. The literature search was performed on Pubmed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases between 2010-2020. PRISMA methodology was applied to extract relevant information about polyherbal formulations.

RESULT

A total of 54 articles were selected under all themes for the data extraction as per the PRISMA guidelines. These 54 articles have high-quality scores ≥3. Forty-three records were used for the narrative analysis, while nine records were used for the critical analysis in the narrative review. Further, theme-wise key data sets were screened from the selected literature and summarized in a tabular form. Bibliometric analysis of the Scopus database has also drawn attention to limited academic literature showcasing randomized clinical trials in the current subject. Most of these polyherbal formulations are tested in laboratory-scale studies, thus portraying further research options.

CONCLUSION

Polyherbal formulations are effective in promoting the wound-healing process. They can stimulate a variety of physiological functions that accelerates the process of healing. These formulations merit further investigation in clinical trials, and production up scaling will aid in the creation of a new horizon of polyherbal wound healing products.

Modulatory effect of caffeic acid in alleviating diabetes and associated complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Prolonged uncontrolled hyperglycemia often leads to multi-organ damage including diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetic foot ulcers. Excess production of free radicals causing oxidative stress in tissues is often considered to be the primary cause of onset and progression of DM and associated complications. Natural polyphenols can be used to induce or inhibit the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, heme oxygenase-1, superoxide dismutase, and catalase that are essential in maintaining redox balance, and ameliorate oxidative stress. Caffeic acid (CA) is a polyphenolderived from hydroxycinnamic acid and possesses numerous physiological properties includ-ing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, immune-stimulatory, cardioprotective, antiproliferative, and hepatoprotective activities. CA acts as a regulatory compound affecting numerous biochemical pathways and multiple targets. These include various transcription factors such as nuclear factor-B, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Therefore, this review summarizes the pharmacological properties, molecular mechanisms, and pharmacokinetic profile of CA in mitigating the adverse effects of DM and associated complications. The bioavailability, drug delivery, and clinical trials of CA have also been discussed.

Phytochemical profile, in vivo anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of the aqueous extract from aerial parts of Cistus ladanifer L

Cistus ladanifer L. is a Mediterranean shrub, well recognized for its many pharmacological properties. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile, the in vivo anti-inflammatory and the wound healing activities of the aqueous extract from its aerial parts (AECL). The in vivo anti-inflammatory and the wound healing properties were evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema (CAECL) and burn wound in rats, respectively. The results showed that six compounds belonging to flavonoids and tannins were identified in the AECL extract. Moreover, the AECL administrated orally at a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly reduced edema with a percentage of 72 % in terms of inflammation inhibition, using indomethacin as reference drug. On the other hand, when administrated topically, both doses of CAECL cream (5 % and 10 %) manifested a significant anti-inflammatory action using diclofenac as reference drug with a percentage reduction of inflammation that reached 85 % (CAECL-10). As far as wound healing is concerned, the CAECL showed higher effect at a dose of 10 % (CAECL-10) producing a wound contraction of 96 %, similar to that of the reference drug. The findings of the present study indicate that the aqueous extract from aerial parts of Cistus ladanifer L. display strongly anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects to be advantageously used for medical purposes.

Development of Lepidium sativum Extracts/PVA Electrospun Nanofibers as Wound Healing Dressing

Lepidium sativum L. (Garden cress/Hab El Rashad) (Ls), family Brassicaceae, has considerable importance in traditional medicine worldwide because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Ls fruits were used in Ayurvedic medicines as a useful drug for injuries, skin, and eye diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the total ethanol extract (TEE) and polysaccharide (Poly) of Ls seeds loaded on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers (NFs) as a wound healing dressing and to correlate the activity with the constituents of each. TEE and Poly were phytochemically analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative analysis proved the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, triterpenes, and mucilage. Meanwhile, quantitative determinations were carried out spectrophotometrically for total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for TEE identified 15 phenolic acids and flavonoid compounds, with gallic acid and catechin as the majors. Separation, purification, and identification of the major compounds were achieved through a Puriflash system, column Sephadex LH20, and spectroscopic data (¹H, ¹³C NMR, and UV). Eight compounds (gallic acid, catechin, rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin, and kaempferol) were obtained. Gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) analysis for Poly identified 11 compounds, with galactose being the main. The antioxidant activity for both extracts was measured by three different methods based on different mechanisms: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS). TEE has the highest effectiveness as an antioxidant agent with IC₅₀ 82.6 ± 8.35 μg/mL for DPPH and 772.47 and 758.92 μM Trolox equivalent/mg extract for FRAP and ABTS, respectively. The PVA nanofibers (NFs) for each sample were fabricated by electrospinning. The fabricated NFs were characterized by SEM and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); the results revealed successful encapsulation of TEE and Poly in the prepared NFs. Moreover, the swelling index of TEE in the prepared NFs shows that it is the most appropriate for use as a wound dressing. Cytotoxicity studies indicated a high cell viability with IC₅₀ 216 μg/mL and 1750 μg/mL for TEE and Poly, respectively. Moreover, the results revealed that nanofibers possess higher cell viability compared to solutions with the same sample quantities: 9-folds for TEE and 4-folds for Poly of amount 400 μg. The in vitro wound healing test showed that the TEE nanofibers performed better than Poly nanofibers in accelerating wound healing, with 90% for TEE, more than that for the Poly extract (82%), after 48 h. These findings implied that the incorporation of TEE in PVA nanofibers was more efficient than incorporation of Poly in improving the biological activity in wound healing. In conclusion, the TEE and polysaccharides of L. sativum L seed are ideal candidates for nanofibrous wound dressings. Furthermore, the contents of phenolic acids and flavonoids in TEE, which have potential antioxidant activity, make the TEE of L. sativum more favorable for wound healing dressing.

Phytochemistry and Biological Activity of Medicinal Plants in Wound Healing: An Overview of Current Research

Wound healing is a complicated process, and the effective management of wounds is a major challenge. Natural herbal remedies have now become fundamental for the management of skin disorders and the treatment of skin infections due to the side effects of modern medicine and lower price for herbal products. The aim of the present study is to summarize the most recent in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on major herbal preparations, their phytochemical constituents, and new formulations for wound management. Research reveals that several herbal medicaments have marked activity in the management of wounds and that this activity is ascribed to flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. These phytochemicals can act at different stages of the process by means of various mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, collagen synthesis stimulating, cell proliferation, and angiogenic effects. The application of natural compounds using nanotechnology systems may provide significant improvement in the efficacy of wound treatments. Increasing the clinical use of these therapies would require safety assessment in clinical trials.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Effects of Gold Nanoparticles Containing Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Aqueous Extract

Background. Wound healing is a complex process of replacing devitalized cellular structures and tissues with healthy cells and tissue. Nanotechnology has been increasingly proposed as a novel platform to treat wounds and skin regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and cutaneous wound healing activities of phytosynthesized Au NPs using Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) and synthesized Au NPs by using the citrate synthesis method. The Ok Au NPs were characterized using various techniques like UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cutaneous wounds were created on 30 rats and randomized into three groups: untreated and two groups treated with Ch Au NPs and Ok Au NPs. The treatment was carried out daily for 12 days. A peak characterized the Ok Au NPs at 538 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum. Based on the results of FTIR spectroscopy, various functional oxygenated groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and nitrogenous groups were observed. XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. TEM images of Ok Au NPs showed a spherical shape and size range of 75 nm. DPPH test showed similar antioxidant potentials for Au NPs. The Au NPs showed cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, and this technique was found to be nontoxic. Agar well diffusion, which is the method to determine antibacterial characteristics of Au NPs, showed a significant beneficial effect against a variety of bacterial species. In addition, histopathological results showed that Au NPs could accelerate wound closure. Therefore, Au NPs could be suitable for wound healing applications.

Dermal Drug Delivery of Phytochemicals with Phenolic Structure via Lipid-Based Nanotechnologies

Phenolic compounds are a large, heterogeneous group of secondary metabolites found in various plants and herbal substances. From the perspective of dermatology, the most important benefits for human health are their pharmacological effects on oxidation processes, inflammation, vascular pathology, immune response, precancerous and oncological lesions or formations, and microbial growth. Because the nature of phenolic compounds is designed to fit the phytochemical needs of plants and not the biopharmaceutical requirements for a specific route of delivery (dermal or other), their utilization in cutaneous formulations sets challenges to drug development. These are encountered often due to insufficient water solubility, high molecular weight and low permeation and/or high reactivity (inherent for the set of representatives) and subsequent chemical/photochemical instability and ionizability. The inclusion of phenolic phytochemicals in lipid-based nanocarriers (such as nanoemulsions, liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles) is so far recognized as a strategic physico-chemical approach to improve their in situ stability and introduction to the skin barriers, with a view to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic potency. This current review is focused on recent advances and achievements in this area.

Rationale of Orthosiphon aristatus for Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. is traditionally used for wound healing in South East Asia and scientifically proven for its antidiabetic potential. Wounds due to diabetes, especially diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), always involve a complicated healing process. The present work aims to review the information on the rationale of the phytochemicals from O. aristatus in promoting DFU healing. The findings showed that the DFU healing potential of O. aristatus was characterized by a reduction in the blood glucose level, mainly attributed to the significant concentration of constituents such as caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and sinensetin in the plant extract. These phytochemicals possibly induce insulin secretion and sensitivity, improve the lipid profile, and stimulate glucose uptake. Furthermore, the healing effect may also be contributed to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic properties of the plant. The roles of phytochemicals have been systematically postulated in the 4 phases of the healing process. Moreover, no adverse toxic sign or abnormality has been reported upon oral administration of the plant extract. This suggests that O. aristatus extract could be a potential diabetic wound healing phytomedicine for further preclinical and clinical studies.

Novel green synthesis and antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticholinergics, and wound healing properties of cobalt nanoparticles containing Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam leaves extract

The aim of the experiment was a green synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles from the aqueous extract of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam (CoNPs) and assessment of their cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and cutaneous wound healing properties. The synthesized CoNPs were characterized using different techniques including UV-Vis., FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). According to the XRD analysis, 28.19 nm was measured for the crystal size of NPs. TEM and SEM images exhibited a uniform spherical morphology and average diameters of 29.08 nm for the biosynthesized nanoparticles. Agar diffusion tests were done to determine the antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were specified by macro-broth dilution assay. CoNPs indicated higher antibacterial and antifungal effects than many standard antibiotics (p ≤ 0.01). Also, CoNPs prevented the growth of all bacteria at 2-4 mg/mL concentrations and removed them at 2-8 mg/mL concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In the case of antifungal effects of CoNPs, they inhibited the growth of all fungi at 1-4 mg/mL concentrations and destroyed them at 2-16 mg/mL concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). The synthesized CoNPs had great cell viability dose-dependently and indicated this method was nontoxic. DPPH free radical scavenging test was done to assess the antioxidant potentials, which revealed similar antioxidant potentials for CoNPs and butylated hydroxytoluene. In vivo experiment, after creating the cutaneous wound, the rats were randomly divided into six groups: untreated control, treatment with Eucerin basal ointment, treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment, treatment with 0.2% Co(NO₃)₂ ointment, treatment with 0.2% Z. clinopodioides ointment, and treatment with 0.2% CoNPs ointment. These groups were treated for 10 days. For histopathological and biochemical analysis of the healing trend, a 3 × 3 cm section was prepared from all dermal thicknesses at day 10. Use of CoNPs ointment in the treatment groups substantially raised (p ≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, hydroxyl proline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate and remarkably decreased (p ≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, and lymphocyte compared to other groups. In conclusion, CoNPs can be used as a medical supplement owing to their non-cytotoxic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing effects. Additionally, the novel nanoparticles (Co(NO₃)₂ and CoNPs) were good inhibitors of the α-glycosidase, and cholinesterase enzymes.

Poly (Lactic Acid) membrane and Sedum dendroideum extract favors the repair of burns in rats

Purpose:

To evaluate the healing potential of the electrospinning membranes of Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA) associated with Sedum dendroideum extract in burn injuries in rats.

Methods:

Seventy-five rats were submitted to burn injury on their back skin: (C) untreated; (F) with daily topical application of S. dendroideum extract; (M) with electrospinning membranes of PLA; (MF10) with electrospinning membranes of PLA with 10% S. dendroideum extract; (MF25) with electrospinning membranes of PLA with 25% S. dendroideum extract. Tissue samples were taken after 2, 6 and 14 days of the burn injury and were subjected to histomorfometric analysis of quantification of fibroblasts, collagen fibers, blood vessels, and inflammatory infiltrate

Results:

The histomorphometric analysis showed an increase in the number of fibroblasts, collagen fibers and blood vessels in the burns treated with membranes of PLA, associated or not with the 10% and 25% extract. The extract of S. dendroideum promoted the increase of collagen fibers.

Conclusion:

The electrospinning PLA membrane, isolated or associated with the S. dendrodeum extract, favored the healing of burn injuries in this experimental model, with an increase of fibroblasts, collagen fibers, and blood vessels. S. dendroideum isolated only stimulated the collagenesis.

Bioassay-Guided Different Extraction Techniques of Carica papaya (Linn.) Leaves on In Vitro Wound-Healing Activities

Herbal plants are traditionally utilized to treat various illnesses. They contain phytochemicals that can be extracted using conventional methods such as maceration, soxhlet, and boiling, as well as non-conventional methods including ultrasonic, microwave, and others. Carica papaya leaves have been used for the treatment of dengue, fungal, and bacterial infections as well as an ingredient in anti-aging products. Phytochemicals analysis detected the presence of kaempferol, myricetin, carpaine, pseudocarpaine, dehydrocarpaine I and II, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, β-carotene, lycopene, and anthraquinones glycoside. Conventional preparation by boiling and simple maceration is practical, simple, and safe; however, only polar phytochemicals are extracted. The present study aims to investigate the effects of three different non-conventional extraction techniques (ultrasonic-assisted extraction, reflux, and agitation) on C. papaya phytochemical constituents, the antioxidant capacity, and wound-healing activities. Among the three techniques, the reflux technique produced the highest extraction yield (17.86%) with the presence of saponins, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, and phenolic metabolites. The reflux technique also produced the highest 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging with an IC50 value of 0.236 mg/mL followed by ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) (IC50: 0.377 mg/mL) and agitation (IC50: 0.404 mg/mL). At tested concentrations (3.125 µg/mL to 500 µg/mL), all extracts do not exhibit a cytotoxicity effect on the human skin fibroblast, HSF1184. Interestingly, reflux and UAE were active fibroblast proliferators that support 85% (12.5 µg/mL) and 41% (6.25 µg/mL) better cell growth, respectively. Additionally, during the early 24 h of the scratch assay, the migration rate at 12.5 µg/mL was faster for all extracts with 51.8% (reflux), 49.3% (agitation), and 42.5% (UAE) as compared to control (21.87%). At 48 h, proliferated cells covered 78.7% of the scratch area for reflux extract, 63.1% for UAE, 61% for agitation, and 42.6% for control. Additionally, the collagen synthesis was enhanced for 31.6% and 65% after 24 and 48 h of treatment for reflux. An HPLC-MS/MS-QTOF (quadruple time-of-flight) analysis of reflux identified nine phytochemicals, including carpaine, kaempferol 3-(2G-glucosylrutinoside), kaempferol 3-(2″-rhamnosylgalactoside), 7-rhamnoside, kaempferol 3-rhamnosyl-(1->2)-galactoside-7-rhamnoside, luteolin 7-galactosyl-(1->6)-galactoside, orientin 7-O-rhamnoside, 11-hydroperoxy-12,13-epoxy-9-octadecenoic acid, palmitic amide, and 2-hexaprenyl-6-methoxyphenol. The results suggested that reflux was the best technique as compared to ultrasonic and agitation.

Applications of Electrospun Nanofibers with Antioxidant Properties: A Review

Antioxidants can be encapsulated to enhance their solubility or bioavailability or to protect them from external factors. Electrospinning has proven to be an excellent option for applications in nanotechnology, as electrospun nanofibers can provide the necessary environment for antioxidant encapsulation. Forty-nine papers related to antioxidants loaded onto electrospun nanofibers were categorized and reviewed to identify applications and new trends. Medical and food fields were commonly proposed for the newly obtained composites. Among the polymers used as a matrix for the electrospinning process, synthetic poly (lactic acid) and polycaprolactone were the most widely used. In addition, natural compounds and extracts were identified as antioxidants that help to inhibit free radical and oxidative damage in tissues and foods. The most recurrent active compounds used were tannic acid (polyphenol), quercetin (flavonoid), curcumin (polyphenol), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). The incorporation of active compounds in nanofibers often improves their bioavailability, giving them increased stability, changing the mechanical properties of polymers, enhancing nanofiber biocompatibility, and offering novel properties for the required field. Although most of the polymers used were synthetic, natural polymers such as silk fibroin, chitosan, cellulose, pullulan, polyhydroxybutyrate, and zein have proven to be proper matrices for this purpose.

Inhibitory activity of Podospermum canum and its active components on collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase enzymes

Present study is aimed to investigate in vitro inhibitory effects of the extract prepared from the aerial parts of Podospermum canum (syn: Scorzonera cana var. jacquiniana) (Asteraceae) on hyaluronidase, collagenase, and elastase enzymes using a bioassay-guided fractionation. Inhibitory effects of the extract, sub-extracts, fractions obtained by column chromatography, and isolated compounds on collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase were performed by using in vitro enzyme inhibitory assays based on spectrophotometric evaluation. The methanolic extract obtained from P. canum exhibited strong inhibitory activities on elastase and collagenase while the insignificant activity was observed on hyaluronidase. Through bioactivity-guided fractionation, the ethyl acetate and remaining water sub-extracts obtained from the methanolic extract displayed significant inhibitory activities on collagenase and elastase, while petroleum ether and chloroform extracts did not show any inhibitory activity. Eleven known compounds: arbutin, 6́-O-caffeoylarbutin, cichoriin, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester, apigenin 7-O-β-glucoside, luteolin 7-O-β-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-β-rutinoside, isoorientin, orientin, vitexin, procatechuic acid, and new compound 4-hydroxy-benzoic acid 4-(6-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-β-glucopyranosyl) benzyl ester have been obtained from ethyl acetate sub-extract. Results of the present study have revealed that apigenin 7-O-β-glucoside, luteolin 7-O-β-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-β-rutinoside, and isoorientin showed potent enzyme inhibitory activities. However, methanolic extract of P. canum displayed a greater inhibitory activity than fractions and isolated compounds both on collagenase and elastase.

Novel synthesis of Falcaria vulgaris leaf extract conjugated copper nanoparticles with potent cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and cutaneous wound healing activities under in vitro and in vivo condition

Facile green synthesis of copper nanoparticles from different biological procedures has been indicated, but among all, biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles from medicinal plants is considered as the most suitable method. The use of medicinal plant material increases the therapeutical effects of copper nanoparticles. The aim of this study was green synthesis of copper nanoparticles from aqueous extract of Falcaria vulgaris leaf (CuNPs) and assessment of their cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and cutaneous wound healing properties. These nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis. The synthesized CuNPs had great cell viability dose-dependently (Investigating the effect of the CuNPs on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) line) and indicated this method was nontoxic. Also, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test was done to assess the antioxidant activities, which indicated similar antioxidant potentials for CuNPs and butylated hydroxytoluene. In part of cutaneous wound healing property of CuNPs, after creating the cutaneous wound, the rats were randomly divided into six groups: treatment with 0.2% CuNPs ointment, treatment with 0.2% CuSO₄ ointment, treatment with 0.2% F. vulgaris ointment, treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment, treatment with Eucerin basal ointment, and untreated control. These groups were treated for 10 days. Treatment with CuNPs ointment remarkably increased (p ≤ .01) the wound contracture, vessel, hexosamine, hydroxyl proline, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate and substantially reduced (p ≤ .01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, and lymphocyte compared to other groups. In antibacterial and antifungal parts of this research, the concentration of CuNPs with minimum dilution and no turbidity was considered minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). To determine minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), 60 μL MIC and three preceding chambers were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Muller Hinton Agar, respectively. The minimum concentration with no fungal and bacterial growth were considered MFC and MBC, respectively. CuNPs inhibited the growth of all fungi at 2-4 mg/mL concentrations and removed them at 4-8 mg/mL concentrations (p ≤ .01). In case of antibacterial effects of CuNPs, they inhibited the growth of all bacteria at 2-8 mg/mL concentrations and removed them at 4-16 mg/mL concentrations (p ≤ .01). The results of XRD, FT-IR, UV, TEM, and FE-SEM confirm that the aqueous extract of F. vulgaris leaf can be used to yield copper nanoparticles with notable amount of antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and cutaneous wound healing potentials without any cytotoxicity. Further clinical trials are necessary for confirmation these therapeutical effects of CuNPs in human.

Metabolite profiling and wound-healing activity of Boerhavia diffusa leaf extracts using in vitro and in vivo models

Boerhavia diffusa is a perennial herb belonging to the Nyctaginaceae family. This plant has been widely used in Indian traditional medicinal system to cure several human ailments. However, traditional use of this plant in the treatment and management of wounds has not been validated by any comprehensive scientific study. The present study was aimed to explore the in vitro and in vivo wound healing potential of methanol extract (ME) and chloroform extract (CE) from B. diffusa leaf and subsequent identification of the bioactive metabolites, which might be responsible for enhancement of wound healing property of the extracts.

The study included in vitro cell viability and wound scratch assays as well as in vivo excision wound assays in rat models. Both ME and CE were analysed for their antioxidant properties and phenolics content. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses were performed for identification of bioactive metabolites present in the ME and CE. ME of B. diffusa leaf significantly enhanced viability and migration of human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) as compared to the untreated and CE-treated groups. The topical application of ME of B. diffusa leaf in excision wound model significantly decreased the wound area by the 14th day (91%) as compared to control (22%) (p < 0.05). The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of caffeic acid, ferulic acid and D-pinitol as the major bioactive metabolites in ME. These results suggest that ME of B. diffusa possesses significant wound healing potential, where D-pinitol and caffeic acid served as the lead constituent metabolites responsible for the healing.

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Reporting wound healing potential of Boerhavia diffusa leaf extracts.

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GC-MS analyses of B. diffusa leaf extracts to identify bioactive wound healing metabolites.

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D-Pinitol and caffeic acid were identified as lead metabolites triggering wound healing.

The Wound Healing Potential of Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams (Asteraceae)

Wounds remain one of the major causes of death worldwide. Over the years medicinal plants and natural compounds have played an integral role in wound treatment. Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams which is classified among substances with low toxicity has been used for generations in African traditional medicine to treat wounds, including stopping bleeding even from severed arteries. This review examined the potential of the extracts and phytochemicals from A. africana, a common herbaceous flowering plant which is native to Africa in wound healing. In vitro and in vivo studies have provided strong pharmacological evidences for wound healing effects of A. africana-derived extracts and phytochemicals. Singly or in synergy, the different bioactive phytochemicals including alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, α-pinene, carene, phytol, and linolenic acid in A. africana have been observed to exhibit a very strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities which are important processes in wound healing. Indeed, A. africana wound healing ability is furthermore due to the fact that it can effectively reduce wound bleeding, hasten wound contraction, increase the concentration of basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF) and platelet derived growth factor, and stimulate the haematological parameters, including white and red blood cells, all of which are vital components for the wound healing process. Therefore, these facts may justify why A. africana is used to treat wounds in ethnomedicine.

Wound Healing Activity and Chemical Standardization of Eugenia pruniformis Cambess

Background:

Eugenia pruniformis is an endemic species from Brazil. Eugenia genus has flavonoids as one of the remarkable chemical classes which are related to the improvement of the healing process.

Aims:

To evaluate of wound healing activity of E. pruniformis leaves and to identify and quantify its main flavonoids compounds.

Materials And Methods:

Wound excision model in rats was used to verify the hydroethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts potential. The animals were divided in four groups of six and the samples were evaluated until the 15° day of treatment. Hydroxyproline dosage and histological staining with hematoxilin-eosin and Sirius Red were used to observe the tissue organization and quantify the collagen deposition, respectively. Chemical compounds of the ethyl acetate extract were identified by chromatographic techniques and mass spectrometry analysis and total flavonoids content was determined by spectrophotometric method. The antioxidant activity was determined by oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylhydrate radical photometric (DPPH) assays.

Results:

The treated group with the ethyl acetate extract showed collagen deposition increase, higher levels of hidroxyproline, better tissue reorganization and complete remodeling of epidermis. Quercetin, kaempferol and hyperoside were identified as main compounds and flavonoids content value was 43% (w/w). The ORAC value of the ethyl acetate extract was 0.81± 0.05 mmol TE/g whereas the concentration to produce 50% reduction of the DPPH was 7.05± 0.09 μg/mL.

Conclusion:

The data indicate a wound healing and antioxidant activities of E. pruniformis. This study is the first report of flavonoids and wound healing activity of E. pruniformis.

KEY MESSAGES

Eugenia pruniformis extract accelerates wound healing in skin rat model, probably due to its involvement with the collagen deposition increase, higher levels of hidroxyproline, dermal remodelling and potent antioxidant activity. Chemical standardization of the active wound healing extract was done. The total flavonoid content was 43% (w/w) and quercetin, kaempferol and hyperoside were identified as main compounds.

SUMMARY

Wound excision model in rats showed the potential wound healing activity of E. pruniformis by collagen deposition increase, higher levels of hidroxyproline, better tissue reorganization and complete remodeling of epidermis.

Flavonoids are the main compounds of the endemic E. pruniformis and quercetin, kaempferol and hyperoside were identified in ethyl acetate extract by TLC, HPLC-PDA and HRESI-MS analysis.

The ethyl acetate extract of E. pruniformis showed a potent antioxidant activity by ORAC and DPPH assays

Abbreviation used: NC: Negative control, PC: Positive control, CH: Crude hydroethanolic extract, EA: Ethyl acetate extract, TE: Trolox equivalent, mg: Milligram, mM: Millimolar, mL: Milliliter, HPLC-PDA: High performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector, HRESI-MS: High-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis, TLC: Thin layer chromatography, ORAC: Oxygen radical absorbance capacity, w/v: Weight per volume

The Potential of Plant Phenolics in Prevention and Therapy of Skin Disorders

Phenolic compounds constitute a group of secondary metabolites which have important functions in plants. Besides the beneficial effects on the plant host, phenolic metabolites (polyphenols) exhibit a series of biological properties that influence the human in a health-promoting manner. Evidence suggests that people can benefit from plant phenolics obtained either by the diet or through skin application, because they can alleviate symptoms and inhibit the development of various skin disorders. Due to their natural origin and low toxicity, phenolic compounds are a promising tool in eliminating the causes and effects of skin aging, skin diseases, and skin damage, including wounds and burns. Polyphenols also act protectively and help prevent or attenuate the progression of certain skin disorders, both embarrassing minor problems (e.g., wrinkles, acne) or serious, potentially life-threatening diseases such as cancer. This paper reviews the latest reports on the potential therapy of skin disorders through treatment with phenolic compounds, considering mostly a single specific compound or a combination of compounds in a plant extract.

The effects of Malaysian propolis and Brazilian red propolis on connective tissue fibroblasts in the wound healing process

Background

To evaluate and compare the effects of ethanolic extracts of Malaysian propolis and Brazilian red propolis at different concentrations on the migration and proliferation of fibroblast cells.

Methods

Malaysian and Brazilian red propolis crude samples were extracted using ethanol. Their wound healing effects were tested in vitro on the normal human fibroblast cell line CRL-7522. Cell migration and proliferation assays were carried out using propolis concentrations of 1, 10, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 μg/mL. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni tests (α = 0.05).

Results

Malaysian and Brazilian red propolis followed a concentration-dependent increasing and decreasing trend. Malaysian propolis showed the fastest migration rate at 250 μg/mL which was statistically significant (p < 0.05) and maximum proliferation at 500 μg/mL with no significant difference (p > 0.05) compared to control. Brazilian red propolis showed a slight increase in migration and proliferation at 10 and 100 μg/mL, respectively with no significant difference (p > 0.05) compared to control, while concentrations above these conferred inhibitory effects.

Conclusion

Malaysian and Brazilian red propolis show potential to assist in wound healing, depending on their concentration.

Effect of Clausena excavata Burm. f. (Rutaceae) leaf extract on wound healing and antioxidant activity in rats

Clausena excavata is a well-known plant used in folkloric medicine for the treatment of different ailments. This study aimed to determine the in vitro cytoxicity of its leaf solvent extracts as well as the in vivo wound healing and antioxidant activities of the methanolic extracts of C. excavata (MECE). HaCaT (keratocyte) and Vero cell lines were used for evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxic effects, while the in vivo wound healing and antioxidant activities were determined in skin wounds inflicted on rats. Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups of four animals each. Approximately 3.14 cm² excisional wound was inflicted on the nape of each rat following anesthesia. The treatment groups received topical application of MECE at 50 mg/mL (MECE-LD [low dose]), 100 mg/mL (MECE-MD [medium dose]), and 200 mg/mL (MECE-HD [high dose]), while the negative control group was treated with gum acacia in normal saline and the positive control group with intrasite gel. Wound contraction was evaluated on days 5, 10, and 15 after wound infliction, and tissue from wound area was collected at day 15 post-wound infliction for antioxidant enzyme evaluation and histopathological analyses. Generally, Vero cells were more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of the solvent extracts as compared with HaCaT cells. Chloroform (CH) and ethyl acetate (EA) extracts of C. excavata were toxic to HaCaT cells at 200 and 400 µg/mL, but the same concentrations showed higher (P<0.05) viability in Vero cells. There was significantly (P<0.01) greater wound contraction at days 10 and 15 post-wound infliction in all the treatment groups than in the control groups. Histopathologically, the MECE-HD-treated wound showed significantly (P<0.05) lesser inflammatory cell proliferation, degeneration, and distribution of granulation tissue than other groups. Similarly, the degree of collagen maturation, angiogenesis, and collagen distribution were significantly (P<0.05) lower in MECE-HD than in other groups. The MECE-HD, MECE-MD, and intrasite treatment groups showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher number of VEGF-positive and TGF-β1-positive cells in the skin wound than the control groups. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly (P<0.01) higher in the MECE-HD and intrasite treatment groups than in the other groups. Lipid peroxidase activity of the treated groups was significantly (P<0.01) lower than that in the control group. The study showed that MECE is a potent wound healing agent through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that enhanced the rate of wound contraction, re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition. The effect of MECE is suggested to be due to its high polyphenolic compound content.

Flavonoids promoting HaCaT migration: I. Hologram quantitative structure-activity relationships

Cell migration plays an important role in multicellular development and preservation. Because wound healing requires cell migration, compounds promoting cell migration can be used for wound repair therapy. Several plant-derived polyphenols are known to promote cell migration, which improves wound healing. Previous studies of flavonoids on cell lines have focused on their inhibitory effects and not on wound healing. In addition, studies of flavonoids on wound healing have been performed using mixtures. In this study, individual flavonoids were used for cellular migration measurements. Relationships between the cell migration effects of flavonoids and their structural properties have never been reported. Here, we investigated the migration of keratinocytes caused by 100 flavonoids and examined their relationships using hologram quantitative structure-activity relationships. The structural conditions responsible for efficient cell migration on keratinocyte cell lines determined from the current study will facilitate the design of flavonoids with improved activity.