The Leaf Extract of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt Accelerated In Vitro Wound Healing by Reducing Oxidative Stress Injury

A critical overview of challenging roles of medicinal plants in improvement of wound healing technology

PURPOSE

Chronic diseases often hinder the natural healing process, making wound infections a prevalent clinical concern. In severe cases, complications can arise, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. While allopathic treatments offer numerous options for wound repair and management, the enduring popularity of herbal medications may be attributed to their perceived minimal side effects. Hence, this review aims to investigate the potential of herbal remedies in efficiently treating wounds, presenting a promising alternative for consideration.

METHODS

A literature search was done including research, reviews, systematic literature review, meta-analysis, and clinical trials considered. Search engines such as Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were used while retrieving data. Keywords like Wound healing 'Wound healing and herbal combinations', 'Herbal wound dressing', Nanotechnology and Wound dressing were used.

RESULT

This review provides valuable insights into the role of natural products and technology-based formulations in the treatment of wound infections. It evaluates the use of herbal remedies as an effective approach. Various active principles from herbs, categorized as flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and phenolic compounds, have shown effectiveness in promoting wound closure. A multitude of herbal remedies have demonstrated significant efficacy in wound management, offering an additional avenue for care. The review encompasses a total of 72 studies, involving 127 distinct herbs (excluding any common herbs shared between studies), primarily belonging to the families Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Apiaceae. In research, rat models were predominantly utilized to assess wound healing activities. Furthermore, advancements in herbal-based formulations using nanotechnology-based wound dressing materials, such as nanofibers, nanoemulsions, nanofiber mats, polymeric fibers, and hydrogel-based microneedles, are underway. These innovations aim to enhance targeted drug delivery and expedite recovery. Several clinical-based experimental studies have already been documented, evaluating the efficacy of various natural products for wound care and management. This signifies a promising direction in the field of wound treatment.

CONCLUSION

In recent years, scientists have increasingly utilized evidence-based medicine and advanced scientific techniques to validate the efficacy of herbal medicines and delve into the underlying mechanisms of their actions. However, there remains a critical need for further research to thoroughly understand how isolated chemicals extracted from herbs contribute to the healing process of intricate wounds, which may have life-threatening consequences. This ongoing research endeavor holds great promise in not only advancing our understanding but also in the development of innovative formulations that expedite the recovery process.

Genetic diversity, morphological traits, quality traits and antioxidants potentiality of Coccinia grandis germplasm under rainfed semi-arid region

The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic variability for morphological and qualitative traits of Coccinia for development of trait specific lines at ICAR-Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CIAH-RS), Panchmahals (Godhra), Gujarat during 2020-2022. In this study, we evaluated 26 gynoecious accessions to assess the genetic divergence through principal component and cluster analysis. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications under rainfed semi-arid conditions. High values of PCV and GCV were observed for variables such as NFFP (25.13 and 22.20), PL (23.14 and 20.69), FD (24.01 and 21.46), AFW (22.98 and 20.13), NFPY (26.38 and 24.40), FYP (37.57 and 31.29), FY (35.55 and 33.20), AsC (28.65 and 27.73), Ac (24.32 and 21.06), TSS (37.23 and 35.94), DPPHL (20.71 and 20.38), FRAPL (21.08 and 20.92), TPF(20.81 and 20.45) respectively. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for vine length (VL), internodal length (IL), number of female flowers per plant (NFFP), fruit length (FL), peduncle length (PL), fruit diameter (FD), average fruit weight (AFW), number of fruit per plant per year (NFPY), fruit yield per plant (FYP), fruit yield (FY), ascorbic acid (AsC), acidity (Ac), total soluble solids (TSS), total phenols in leaves TPL), total flavonoids in leaves TFL, CUPRAC in leaves (CUPRACL), DPPH in leaves (DPPHL), FRAP in leaves (FRAPL), Total phenols in fruits (TPF), Total flavonoids in fruits (TFF), CUPRAC in fruits (CUPRACF) and DPPH in fruits (DPPHF). The FYP exhibited a significant positive correlation with variables like VL (0.6833), IL (0.2991), NFFP (0.8107), FD (0.5245), AFW (0.6766), NFPY (0.7659), ASC (0.4611), TSS (0.5004) and TPF (0.4281). The estimates of genetic parameters revealed scope for further improvement of fruit yield by selection. Of the eight principal components, PC-I through PC-VIII had eigen values greater than 1 and it accounts 85.02% of the total variation for 26 gynoecious accessions of Ivy gourd. The eigen values of PC-I comprised 5.775% of total variation followed by PC-II (4.250%), PC-III (3.175%), PC-IV (2.588%), PC-V (1.828%), PC-VI (1.447%), PC-VII (1.179%) and PC-VIII (1.013%).The cluster VI and cluster I having highest mean values for most of traits under study. Thus, genotypes from the distinct cluster like cluster VI and I for should be used for selection of parents and varietal improvement for further breeding programme in ivy gourd.

The wound healing potential of Hedychium spicatum Sm. and Zinnia peruviana (L.) ethanolic extracts against excision wound model in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal plants used for wound healing, are key to unlock the doors for combating the resistance of pathogens by provision of new source of compounds.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study is aimed to evaluate and compare the wound healing properties of ethanolic extract of Hedychium spicatum Sm. rhizome and of Zinnia peruviana's leaves and roots.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Albino rats were divided into 10 groups (n = 6), control, positive control, negative control, untreated, Hedychium spicatum Sm. (125 mg/kg), Hedychium spicatum Sm (250 mg/kg), Zinnia peruviana (L.)(Leaves) (125 mg/kg), Zinnia peruviana (L.) (Leaves) (250 mg/kg), Zinnia peruviana (L.)(Roots) (125 mg/kg), Zinnia peruviana (L.)(Roots) (250 mg/kg) respectively. Excision wound of 1.5 cm wound was inflicted on the dorsal side of each rat except control group. 5% CMC gel, fusidic acid and extract gels were applied topically once daily on the wound area which was measured at intervals of 3 days until epithelization and complete wound closure. Different biochemical markers were analyzed in both blood and skin to validate the wound healing potential of these plants.

RESULTS

Topical application of an ethanolic extract of Hedychium spicatum Sm. (250 mg/kg) had significant (p ˂ 0.001) rate of wound healing and reduced epithelization period. Marked amelioration of hydroxyproline content, remarkable results on histopathological changes, reduction in oxidative stress was observed with Hedychium spicatum Sm. ethanolic extract at dose level of 250 mg/kg in comparison with untreated group.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that the Hedychium spicatum Sm. rhizome ethanolic extract gel is effective in wound repair and may possess potential for the development of dermatologic preparation for topical diseases.

In vitro antioxidant activity of alginate nanoparticles encapsulating the aqueous extract of Coccinia grandis L

Bioactive compounds in medicinal plants are more susceptible to preventing oxidative stress. Encapsulation of herbal extracts has empowered the properties and characteristics of bioactive compounds. Nanoencapsulation allows the enhancement of the stability of extracts and targeted drug delivery. The present study aims to determine the antioxidant activity of alginate nanoparticles encapsulating the aqueous extract of Coccinia grandis L. (Family: Cucurbitaceae). The aqueous extract of C. grandis (AqCG) was prepared by using ultrasonication (40 °C, 20 min, 40 kHz) followed by refluxing (2½ h). The prepared AqCG (1-5 mg/mL) encapsulated alginate nanoparticles were synthesized by ionic gelation with the addition of extracts and CaCl2. Characterization of nanoparticles was performed via encapsulation efficiency (EE%), loading capacity (LC%), particle size (PS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. The antioxidant activity of the nanoparticles was evaluated in vitro by the ferric reducing antioxidant (FRAP) assay, 2,2-di-phenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's posthoc test was used to analyze the data. Maximum LC% (3.07 ± 0.11) and average particle size (71 nm from SEM) were obtained for alginate nanoparticles encapsulated at 4 mg/mL extract concentration. The IC50 values for DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP were 6.49 ± 0.10 mg/mL, 0.24 ± 0.01 mg/mL, and 20.63 ± 0.28 mg Trolox equivalent/g of extract respectively for alginate nanoparticles encapsulating the AqCG. Nanoparticles have shown a significant difference in IC50 values compared to Trolox (p < 0.05). The successful encapsulation of the AqCG in the alginate matrix was evidenced by FTIR and SEM analysis. Encapsulation contributed to enhancing the antioxidant activity in terms of ABTS assay when compared to the AqCG. However, in vitro release and stability studies are warranted to facilitate the development of a commercially viable nanonutraceutical using alginate nanoparticles encapsulating the AqCG.

HPLC analysis and in vitro antioxidant mediated through cell migration effect of C.hystrix water extract on human keratinocytes and fibroblasts

Citrus hystrix or kaffir lime is a native tropical plant containing a high level of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Its fruits are used as a food ingredient to enhance the sour-sweet scent and flavor in many dishes. Due to its polyphenol-containing, it has also been used as traditional medicine for health benefits including oral and gum health, stress relief, hair care, and skincare. In this study, we demonstrated the antioxidant activity of C. hystrix water extract and its effect on human keratinocyte and fibroblast migration. The extract showed a high amount of phenolic and flavonoid contents. The HPLC analysis indicated the presence of gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, rutin, and quercetin. We showed that C. hystrix water extract exhibited free radical scavenging capacity, determined by DPPH assay, with IC₅₀ of 14.91 mg/mL, and nitrite radical scavenging capacity, determined by NO assay, with IC₅₀ of 4.46 mg/mL. The C. hystrix water extract displayed unnoticeable toxicity at all tested doses. We showed that the treatment of water extracts as low as 50 μg/mL decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) from H₂O₂-induced ROS formation in both cell lines. Besides, C. hystrix water extract promoted cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Together, these results demonstrated the positive benefit of C. hystrix water extract as a wound-healing accelerator. Its health benefits may be due to the antioxidant capability of its phytochemical compounds contained in C. hystrix water extract that enhances the migration of two major cell types: fibroblast and keratinocytes, responsible for the proliferation and remodeling phase of wound healing.

Plant ingredients in Thai food: a well-rounded diet for natural bioactive associated with medicinal properties

Background

Seeking cures for chronic inflammation-associated diseases and infectious diseases caused by critical human pathogens is challenging and time-consuming. Even as the research community searches for novel bioactive agents, consuming a healthy diet with functional ability might be an effective way to delay and prevent the progression of severe health conditions. Many plant ingredients in Thai food are considered medicinal, and these vegetables, herbs, and spices collectively possess multiple biological and pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antipyretic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects.

Methodology

In this review, the selected edible plants are unspecific to Thai food, but our unique blend of recipes and preparation techniques make traditional Thai food healthy and functional. We searched three electronic databases: PUBMED, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, using the specific keywords "Plant name" followed by "Anti-inflammatory" or "Antibacterial" or "Antiviral" and focusing on articles published between 2017 and 2021.

Results

Our selection of 69 edible and medicinal plant species (33 families) is the most comprehensive compilation of Thai food sources demonstrating biological activities to date. Focusing on articles published between 2017 and 2021, we identified a total of 245 scientific articles that have reported main compounds, traditional uses, and pharmacological and biological activities from plant parts of the selected species.

Conclusions

Evidence indicates that the selected plants contain bioactive compounds responsible for anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, suggesting these plants as potential sources for bioactive agents and suitable for consumption for health benefits.

Photo-Protective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Antidesma thwaitesianum Müll. Arg. Fruit Extract against UVB-Induced Keratinocyte Cell Damage

The main cause of most skin cancers is damage from UVB from sunlight, which penetrate the skin surface and induce inflammation. For this reason, this study aims to identify natural products with photo-protection properties and their mode of action by using the UVB-irradiated HaCaT keratinocyte model. Antidesma thwaitesianum fruit extracts at 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL recovered cell viability following UVB exposure in a dose-dependent manner. Cell survival was associated with the reduction in intracellular ROS and NO. In addition, we showed that the pre-treatment with the fruit extract lowered the phosphorylation level of two MAPK-signaling pathways: p38 MAPKs and JNKs. The resulting lower MAPK activation decreased their downstream pro-inflammatory cascade through COX-2 expression and subsequently reduced the PGE₂ proinflammatory mediator level. The photoprotective effects of the fruit extract were correlated with the presence of polyphenolic compounds, including cyanidin, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, and protocatechuic acid, which have been previously described as antioxidant and anti-inflammation. Together, we demonstrated that the pre-treatment with the fruit extract had photo-protection by inhibiting oxidative stress and subsequently lowered stress-induced MAPK responses. Therefore, this fresh fruit is worthy of investigation to be utilized as a skincare ingredient for preventing UVB-induced skin damage.

Insight into the role of DPP-4 in fibrotic wound healing

Wound healing is a complex and long-term process consisting of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation/remodeling. These four stages overlap and influence each other; they affect wound healing in different ways, and if they do not function perfectly, they may cause scarring, proliferative scarring and keloid formation. A therapeutic target affecting wound healing in multiple ways will help the healing process proceed more effectively. DPP-4/CD26 is a multifunctional dimorphic glycoprotein widely distributed on the surface of a variety of cells, including fibroblasts and keratin-forming cells. It has been found to affect periwound inflammation, re-epithelialization, extracellular matrix secretion and skin fibrosis and is a potential target for promoting wound healing and inhibiting scar formation. After presenting a brief introduction of the wound healing process and DPP-4/CD26, this paper summarizes the effects of DPP-4/CD26 on cells involved in different stages of wound healing and discusses the feasibility of DPP-4/CD26 as a multifunctional target for the treatment of wound healing and inhibition of scar formation.

Wound Healing and Antioxidant Capabilities of Zizyphus mauritiana Fruits: In-Vitro, In-Vivo, and Molecular Modeling Study

LC-HRMS-assisted chemical profiling of Zizyphus mauritiana fruit extract (ZFE) led to the dereplication of 28 metabolites. Furthermore, wound healing activity of ZFE in 24 adult male New Zealand Dutch strain albino rabbits was investigated in-vivo supported by histopathological investigation. Additionally, the molecular mechanism was studied through different in-vitro investigations as well as, studying both relative gene expression and relative protein expression patterns. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of ZFE extract was examined using two in-vitro assays including hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radical scavenging activities that showed promising antioxidant potential. Topical application of the extract on excision wounds showed a significant increase in the wound healing rate (p < 0.001) in comparison to the untreated and MEBO®-treated groups, enhancing TGF-β1, VEGF, Type I collagen expression, and suppressing inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-1β). Moreover, an in silico molecular docking against TNFα, TGFBR1, and IL-1β showed that some of the molecules identified in ZFE can bind to the three wound-healing related protein actives sites. Additionally, PASS computational calculation of antioxidant activity revealed potential activity of three phenolic compounds (Pa score > 0.5). Consequently, ZFE may be a potential alternative medication helping wound healing owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

LC-QTOF-MS/MS Based Molecular Networking Approach for the Isolation of α-Glucosidase Inhibitors and Virucidal Agents from Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt

Coccinia grandis or ivy gourd is an edible plant. Its leaves and fruits are used as vegetable in many countries. Many works on antidiabetic activity of a crude extract of C. grandis, i.e., in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials studies, have been reported. Profiles of the antidiabetic compounds were previously proposed by using LC-MS or GC-MS. However, the compounds responsible for antidiabetic activity have rarely been isolated and characterized by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR data. In the present work, UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis and GNPS molecular networking were used to guide the isolation of α-glucosidase inhibitors from an extract of C. grandis leaves. Seven flavonoid glycosides including rutin (1), kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside (2) or nicotiflorin, kaempferol 3-O-robinobioside (3), quercetin 3-O-robinobioside (4), quercetin 3-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (5) or CTN-986, kaempferol 3-O-β-D-api-furanosyl-(1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), and kaempferol 3-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-D-galactopyranoside (7) were isolated from C. grandis leaves. This is the first report of glycosides containing apiose sugar in the genus Coccinia. These glycosides exhibited remarkable α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, being 4.4–10.3 times more potent than acarbose. Moreover, they also displayed virucidal activity against influenza A virus H1N1, as revealed by the ASTM E1053-20 method.

Antioxidant properties of extract combination of Coccinia grandis and Blumea balsamifera: An in vitro synergistic effect

Introduction: As single extracts, Coccinia grandis and Blumea balsamifera have been known to have potent antioxidant activities. However, the synergistic antioxidant effect of the combination of these plant extracts was unknown. In this study, the combination of C. grandis and B. balsamifera extracts was investigated for its antioxidant and synergistic properties. Methods: Separately, C. grandis and B. balsamifera leaves were extracted with ethanol. After evaporation, the thick extracts were assayed for their total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The antioxidant properties of single and combined extracts were measured using the molybdenum(VI) reducing power, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) methods. The possible synergism effect was evaluated using the checkerboard method and the combination index values were also calculated. Results: The TPC and TFC of the B. balsamifera extracts were much greater than that of C. grandis extract. In the molybdenum(VI) reducing power and FRAP assay, the reducing power of the extract combination increased as B. balsamifera extract concentration increased (P < 0.05). In the ABTS+ and DPPH radical scavenging assays, B. balsamifera extract demonstrated a higher antioxidant activity than C. grandis extract (P < 0.05). When combined, increasing the concentration of B. balsamifera caused an increase in the radical scavenging activity (P < 0.05). Synergism was observed in the combination of the extracts with low concentration ratios. Conclusion: In this study, we showed that the combination of C. grandis and B. balsamifera leaf extracts possessed synergistic antioxidant properties.