Improving Cognition with Nutraceuticals Targeting TGF-β1 Signaling

Natural Phenolic Compounds with Neuroprotective Effects

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequently oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis that contribute to neuronal cytotoxicity and degeneration. Huntington's (HD), Alzheimer's (AD), and Parkinson's (PD) diseases are three of the major neurodegenerative diseases. To date, researchers have found various natural phytochemicals that could potentially be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Particularly, the application of natural phenolic compounds has gained significant traction in recent years, driven by their various biological activities and therapeutic efficacy in human health. Polyphenols, by modulating different cellular functions, play an important role in neuroprotection and can neutralize the effects of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in animal models. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge on phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and coumarins, as well as their beneficial effects on human health. We further provide an overview of the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of natural dietary phenolics in curing neurodegenerative diseases in animal models.

Human carnosinases: A brief history, medicinal relevance, and in silico analyses

Carnosine, an endogenous dipeptide, has been found to have a plethora of medicinal properties, such as antioxidant, antiageing, and chelating effects, but with one downside: a short half-life. Carnosinases and two hydrolytic enzymes, which remain enigmatic, are responsible for these features. Hence, here we emphasize why research is valuable for better understanding crucial concepts like ageing, neurodegradation, and cancerogenesis, given that inhibition of carnosinases might significantly prolong carnosine bioavailability and allow its further use in medicine. Herein, we explore the literature regarding carnosinases and present a short in silico analysis aimed at elucidating the possible recognition pattern between CN1 and its ligands.

Hypericin as a potential drug for treating Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes with a view to drug repositioning

AIMS

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are two of the most common diseases in elderly population and they have a high rate of comorbidity. Study has revealed that T2D is a major risk factor of AD, and thus exploring therapeutic approaches that can target both diseases has drawn much interest in recent years. In this study, we tried to explore drugs that could be potentially used to prevent or treat both AD and T2D via a drug repositioning approach.

METHODS

We first searched the known drugs that may be effective to T2D treatment based on the network distance between the T2D-associated genes and drugs deposited in the DrugBank database. Then, via molecular docking, we further screened these drugs by examining their interaction with islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) and Aβ42 peptide, the key components involved in the pathogenesis of T2D or AD. Finally, the binding between the selected drug candidates and the target proteins was verified by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation; and the potential function of the drug candidates and the corresponding targets were analyzed.

RESULTS

From multiple resources, 734 T2D-associated genes were collected, and a list of 1109 drug candidates for T2D was obtained. We found that hypericin had the lowest binding energy and the most stable interaction with either IAPP or Aβ42 peptide. In addition, we also found that the target genes regulated by hypericin were differentially expressed in the tissues related to the two diseases.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that hypericin may be able to bind with IAPP and Aβ42 stably and prevent their accumulation, and thus could be a promising drug candidate for treating the comorbidity of AD and T2D.

The Therapeutic Potential of Novel Carnosine Formulations: Perspectives for Drug Development

Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) is an endogenous dipeptide synthesized via the activity of the ATP-dependent enzyme carnosine synthetase 1 and can be found at a very high concentration in tissues with a high metabolic rate, including muscles (up to 20 mM) and brain (up to 5 mM). Because of its well-demonstrated multimodal pharmacodynamic profile, which includes anti-aggregant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as its ability to modulate the energy metabolism status in immune cells, this dipeptide has been investigated in numerous experimental models of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, and at a clinical level. The main limit for the therapeutic use of carnosine is related to its rapid hydrolysis exerted by carnosinases, especially at the plasma level, reason why the development of new strategies, including the chemical modification of carnosine or its vehiculation into innovative drug delivery systems (DDS), aiming at increasing its bioavailability and/or at facilitating the site-specific transport to different tissues, is of utmost importance. In the present review, after a description of carnosine structure, biological activities, administration routes, and metabolism, we focused on different DDS, including vesicular systems and metallic nanoparticles, as well as on possible chemical derivatization strategies related to carnosine. In particular, a basic description of the DDS employed or the derivatization/conjugation applied to obtain carnosine formulations, followed by the possible mechanism of action, is given. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review that includes all the new formulations of carnosine (DDS and derivatives), allowing a decrease or complete prevention of the hydrolysis of this dipeptide exerted by carnosinases, the simultaneous blood-brain barrier crossing, the maintenance or enhancement of carnosine biological activity, and the site-specific transport to different tissues, which then offers perspectives for the development of new drugs.

Dietary Fats and Cognitive Status in Italian Middle-Old Adults

The increase in life expectancy led to a significant rise in the prevalence of age-related neurological diseases, such as cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Although genetics certainly play a role, nutrition emerged as a key factor in maintaining optimal cognitive function among older adults. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate whether specific categories and subcategories of dietary fats, based on carbon-chain length, are associated with cognitive status in a cohort of 883 Italian participants over the age of 50. Methods: The intake of total, single class of dietary fat, such as saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and also single fatty acids grouped according to carbon-chain length, were evaluated by food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). Cognitive health was assessed using the short portable mental status questionnaire (SPMSQ). Results: After adjustment for potential confounding factors subjects with a moderate consumption of both short-chain SFA (for Q2 vs. Q1, OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.66) and middle-chain SFA specifically lauric acid (C12:0) intake (for Q2 vs. Q1, OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.77) were less likely to suffer from cognitive impairment. Among single MUFAs, erucic acid (C22:1) intake resulted in an inverse association, in a linear way, with cognitive impairment (for Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.39). Conversely, moderate intake of linoleic acid (C18:2) was associated with cognitive impairment (Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 4.59, 95% CI: 1.51, 13.94). Regarding other PUFAs, individuals consuming moderate intake alpha linolenic acid (C18:3) were less likely to have cognitive impairment (for Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.64). Conclusions: Total SFA intake appeared to be inversely associated with cognitive impairment. Regarding specific subtypes of fatty acids, the results mostly referred to short- and middle-chain SFA. Further studies are needed to validate the results of the present study.

Dietary Fats and Depressive Symptoms in Italian Adults

BACKGROUND

Depression represents one of the major causes of disability worldwide, with an important socioeconomic cost. Although many risk factors have been considered in its pathogenesis, nutrition seems to play a determinant role in its prevention. With regard to individual macronutrients, dietary fats and especially n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are the most studied. However, previous data about other dietary fatty acids, such as n-6 PUFA, are conflicting, and little is known about saturated fatty acids (SFA), especially when considering carbon chain length. Thus, we investigated whether single types and subtypes of dietary fats are related to depressive symptoms in Italian individuals living in the Mediterranean area.

METHODS

Dietary and socio-demographic data of 1572 individuals were analyzed. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were used to determine the consumption of total dietary fat and each specific class of dietary fat, such as SFA, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and PUFA. The intake of fatty acids was also assessed according to the carbon-chain length of each single class. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used as a screening tool for depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

After adjustment for potential confounding factors, a significant inverse association between low/moderate levels of PUFA intake and depressive symptoms (Q2 vs. Q1, odds ratio (OR) = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.84) was found. On the other hand, moderate saturated fat consumption was associated with depressive symptoms (Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.04). However, when considering carbon chain length, individuals with a lower to moderate intake of short-chain saturated fatty acids (SCSFA) and medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCSFA) were less likely to have depressive symptoms (Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.75), while moderate intake of arachidic acid (C20:0) was directly associated with depressive symptoms (Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.77). Among single MUFAs, higher myristoleic acid (C14:1) intake was directly associated with depressive symptoms (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.61), while moderate intake of erucic acid (C22:1) was associated with lower odds of having depressive symptoms (Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.86). When considering individual PUFAs, individuals with moderate and higher intakes of arachidonic acid (C20:4) were less likely to have depressive symptoms (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.91; OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.91, respectively). Similarly, higher eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5) intake was inversely associated with depressive symptoms (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.98), while a significant association for docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6) was retrieved only for low intakes (Q2 vs. Q1, OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.88).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary fat intake may be associated with depressive symptoms, underlying the importance of distinguishing between different fat types. This study confirms the pivotal role of PUFAs and reopens the debate on the role of saturated fatty acids, suggesting plausible effects of moderate intakes of short-chain fatty acids.

Neuroprotective Potentials of Flavonoids: Experimental Studies and Mechanisms of Action

Neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly those related to aging, are on the rise, but drug therapies are rarely curative. Functional disorders and the organic degeneration of nervous tissue often have complex causes, in which phenomena of oxidative stress, inflammation and cytotoxicity are intertwined. For these reasons, the search for natural substances that can slow down or counteract these pathologies has increased rapidly over the last two decades. In this paper, studies on the neuroprotective effects of flavonoids (especially the two most widely used, hesperidin and quercetin) on animal models of depression, neurotoxicity, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease are reviewed. The literature on these topics amounts to a few hundred publications on in vitro and in vivo models (notably in rodents) and provides us with a very detailed picture of the action mechanisms and targets of these substances. These include the decrease in enzymes that produce reactive oxygen and ferroptosis, the inhibition of mono-amine oxidases, the stimulation of the Nrf2/ARE system, the induction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor production and, in the case of AD, the prevention of amyloid-beta aggregation. The inhibition of neuroinflammatory processes has been documented as a decrease in cytokine formation (mainly TNF-alpha and IL-1beta) by microglia and astrocytes, by modulating a number of regulatory proteins such as Nf-kB and NLRP3/inflammasome. Although clinical trials on humans are still scarce, preclinical studies allow us to consider hesperidin, quercetin, and other flavonoids as very interesting and safe dietary molecules to be further investigated as complementary treatments in order to prevent neurodegenerative diseases or to moderate their deleterious effects.

Selected Biomarkers of Depression: What Are the Effects of Cytokines and Inflammation?

Depression is one of the leading mental illnesses worldwide and lowers the quality of life of many. According to WHO, about 5% of the worldwide population suffers from depression. Newer studies report a staggering global prevalence of 27.6%, and it is rising. Professionally, depression belonging to affective disorders is a psychiatric illness, and the category of major depressive disorder (MDD) comprises various diagnoses related to persistent and disruptive mood disorders. Due to this fact, it is imperative to find a way to assess depression quantitatively using a specific biomarker or a panel of biomarkers that would be able to reflect the patients' state and the effects of therapy. Cytokines, hormones, oxidative stress markers, and neuropeptides are studied in association with depression. The latest research into inflammatory cytokines shows that their relationship with the etiology of depression is causative. There are stronger cytokine reactions to pathogens and stressors in depression. If combined with other predisposing factors, responses lead to prolonged inflammatory processes, prolonged dysregulation of various axes, stress, pain, mood changes, anxiety, and depression. This review focuses on the most recent data on cytokines as markers of depression concerning their roles in its pathogenesis, their possible use in diagnosis and management, their different levels in bodily fluids, and their similarities in animal studies. However, cytokines are not isolated from the pathophysiologic mechanisms of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Their effects are only a part of the whole pathway.

Surface-tailoring of emulsomes for boosting brain delivery of vinpocetine via intranasal route: in vitro optimization and in vivo pharmacokinetic assessment

Vinpocetine (VNP), a semisynthetic active pharmaceutical ingredient, is used for oral management of cerebrovascular diseases because of its ability to enhance the blood flow to the brain. However, despite that, the therapeutic application of VNP is restricted due to its reduced bioavailability and diminished brain levels that could be attributed to its low aqueous solubility, short half-life, and presystemic metabolism exposure. Accordingly, the goal of this work was to explore the ability of surface-tailored intranasal emulsomes to boost brain delivery of the drug. A 3²2¹ factorial design was implemented to explore the impact of phospholipid (PL) to solid lipid weight ratio, PL to cholesterol molar ratio, and type of solid lipid on vesicle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment, and release efficiency of the new developed VNP emulsomes. Tailoring of the optimized emulsomal surface formulation was performed using either cationization or PEGylation approaches to boost blood–brain barrier penetration. The pharmacokinetic assessment in rats showed significantly improved bioavailability of VNP emulsomal formulations compared to the oral market product. Additionally, surface-tailored emulsomes exhibited significantly higher brain levels compared to the optimized emulsomes. Based on these findings, the proposed surface-tailored emulsomes could be considered as a promising platform for achieving high brain levels of VNP following intranasal administration.

The Therapeutic Potential of Carnosine as an Antidote against Drug-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Neurotoxicity: Focus on Nrf2 Pathway

Different drug classes such as antineoplastic drugs (anthracyclines, cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, taxanes, tyrosine kinase inhibitors), antiretroviral drugs, antipsychotic, and immunosuppressant drugs are known to induce cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects. Recent studies have demonstrated that the impairment of the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway is a primary event in the pathophysiology of drug-induced cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity. The Nrf2 pathway regulates the expression of different genes whose products are involved in antioxidant and inflammatory responses and the detoxification of toxic species. Cardiotoxic drugs, such as the anthracycline doxorubicin, or neurotoxic drugs, such as paclitaxel, suppress or impair the Nrf2 pathway, whereas the rescue of this pathway counteracts both the oxidative stress and inflammation that are related to drug-induced cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Therefore Nrf2 represents a novel pharmacological target to develop new antidotes in the field of clinical toxicology. Interestingly, carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine), an endogenous dipeptide that is characterized by strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties is able to rescue/activate the Nrf2 pathway, as demonstrated by different preclinical studies and preliminary clinical evidence. Starting from these new data, in the present review, we examined the evidence on the therapeutic potential of carnosine as an endogenous antidote that is able to rescue the Nrf2 pathway and then counteract drug-induced cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity.

Fluoxetine Ecofriendly Nanoemulsion Enhances Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats: In Vivo Efficacy Assessment

Impaired diabetic wound healing is a major concern for health care professionals worldwide, imposing an intense financial burden and reducing the quality of life of patients. A dysregulation of this process can be responsible for the development of intractable ulcers and the formation of excessive scars. Therefore, the identification of novel pharmacological strategies able to promote wound healing and restore the mechanical integrity of injured tissue becomes essential. In the present study, fluoxetine ecofriendly nanoemulsion (FLX-EFNE) was prepared and its potential efficacy in enhancing wound healing was tested in diabetic rats. The Box-Behnken response surface design was used to select the optimized formulation that was prepared by the high-shear homogenization-based technique. A Zetasizer was used for the characterization of the optimized formulation, providing a FLX-EFNE with a globule size of 199 nm. For the in vivo study, a wound was induced by surgical methods, and diabetic rats (streptozotocin-induced) were divided into five groups: untreated control, vehicle-treated, FLX, FLX-EFNE, and positive control receiving a commercially available formula. The treatment continued from the day of wound induction to day 21. Then, the animals were sacrificed and skin tissues were collected at the site of wounding and used for biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and mRNA expression assessments. In the FLX-EFNE treated group, the rate of wound contraction and signs of healing were significantly higher compared to all other groups. In addition, angiogenesis, proliferation, and collagen deposition were enhanced, while oxidative stress and inflammation decreased. The present data highlight the enhanced wound healing activity of the optimized FLX-EFNE formulation.

TGF-β as a Key Modulator of Astrocyte Reactivity: Disease Relevance and Therapeutic Implications

Astrocytes are essential for normal brain development and functioning. They respond to brain injury and disease through a process referred to as reactive astrogliosis, where the reactivity is highly heterogenous and context-dependent. Reactive astrocytes are active contributors to brain pathology and can exert beneficial, detrimental, or mixed effects following brain insults. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been identified as one of the key factors regulating astrocyte reactivity. The genetic and pharmacological manipulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway in animal models of central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease alters pathological and functional outcomes. This review aims to provide recent understanding regarding astrocyte reactivity and TGF-β signaling in brain injury, aging, and neurodegeneration. Further, it explores how TGF-β signaling modulates astrocyte reactivity and function in the context of CNS disease and injury.

Unveiling the Hidden Therapeutic Potential of Carnosine, a Molecule with a Multimodal Mechanism of Action: A Position Paper

Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring endogenous dipeptide and an over-the-counter food supplement with a well-demonstrated multimodal mechanism of action that includes the detoxification of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, the down-regulation of the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, the inhibition of aberrant protein formation, and the modulation of cells in the peripheral (macrophages) and brain (microglia) immune systems. Since its discovery more than 100 years ago, a plethora of in vivo preclinical studies have been carried out; however, there is still substantial heterogeneity regarding the route of administration, the dosage, the duration of the treatment, and the animal model selected, underlining the urgent need for "coordinated/aligned" preclinical studies laying the foundations for well-defined future clinical trials. The main aim of the present position paper is to critically and concisely consider these key points and open a discussion on the possible "alignment" for future studies, with the goal of validating the full therapeutic potential of this intriguing molecule.

Phenolic Acids and Prevention of Cognitive Decline: Polyphenols with a Neuroprotective Role in Cognitive Disorders and Alzheimer's Disease

Cognitive impairment, also known as cognitive decline, can occur gradually or suddenly and can be temporary or more permanent. It represents an increasingly important public health problem and can depend on normal aging or be linked to different neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is now well-established that lifestyle factors including dietary patterns play an important role in healthy aging as well as in the prevention of cognitive decline in later life. Among the natural compounds, dietary polyphenols including phenolic acids have been recently the focus of major attention, with their supplementation being associated with better cognitive status and prevention of cognitive decline. Despite their therapeutic potential, human studies investigating the relation between phenolic acids intake and cognitive outcomes are rather scarce. In this review, we provide preclinical evidence that different dietary polyphenols such as rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid, and cinnamic aldehyde can exert neuroprotective and pro-cognitive activities through different molecular mechanisms including the modulation of pro-oxidant and antioxidant machinery as well as inflammatory status. Future and more numerous in vivo studies are needed to strengthen the promising results obtained at the preclinical level. Despite the excellent pharmacokinetic properties of phenolic acids, which are able to be accumulated in the brain at pharmacologically relevant levels, future studies should also identify which among the different metabolites produced as a consequence of phenolic acids' consumption may be responsible for the potential neuroprotective effects of this subgroup of polyphenols.

Phenolic Acids and Prevention of Cognitive Decline: Polyphenols with a Neuroprotective Role in Cognitive Disorders and Alzheimer's Disease

Cognitive impairment, also known as cognitive decline, can occur gradually or suddenly and can be temporary or more permanent. It represents an increasingly important public health problem and can depend on normal aging or be linked to different neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is now well-established that lifestyle factors including dietary patterns play an important role in healthy aging as well as in the prevention of cognitive decline in later life. Among the natural compounds, dietary polyphenols including phenolic acids have been recently the focus of major attention, with their supplementation being associated with better cognitive status and prevention of cognitive decline. Despite their therapeutic potential, human studies investigating the relation between phenolic acids intake and cognitive outcomes are rather scarce. In this review, we provide preclinical evidence that different dietary polyphenols such as rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid, and cinnamic aldehyde can exert neuroprotective and pro-cognitive activities through different molecular mechanisms including the modulation of pro-oxidant and antioxidant machinery as well as inflammatory status. Future and more numerous in vivo studies are needed to strengthen the promising results obtained at the preclinical level. Despite the excellent pharmacokinetic properties of phenolic acids, which are able to be accumulated in the brain at pharmacologically relevant levels, future studies should also identify which among the different metabolites produced as a consequence of phenolic acids' consumption may be responsible for the potential neuroprotective effects of this subgroup of polyphenols.

Development of an Icariin-Loaded Bilosome-Melittin Formulation with Improved Anticancer Activity against Cancerous Pancreatic Cells

Pancreatic cancer currently represents a severe issue for the entire world. Therefore, much effort has been made to develop an effective treatment against it. Emerging evidence has shown that icariin, a flavonoid glycoside, is an effective anti-pancreatic cancer drug. Melittin, as a natural active biomolecule, has also shown to possess anticancer activities. In the present study, with the aim to increase its effectiveness against cancerous cells, icariin-loaded bilosome-melittin (ICA-BM) was developed. For the selection of an optimized ICA-BM, an experimental design was implemented, which provided an optimized formulation with a particle size equal to 158.4 nm. After estimation of the release pattern, the anti-pancreatic cancer efficacy of this new formulation was evaluated. The MTT assay was employed for the determination of half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀), providing smaller IC₅₀ for ICA-BM (2.79 ± 0.2 µM) compared to blank-BM and ICA-Raw (free drug) against PNAC1, a human pancreatic cancer cell line isolated from a pancreatic carcinoma of ductal cell origin. Additionally, cell cycle analysis for ICA-BM demonstrated cell arrest at the S-phase and pre-G1 phase, which indicated a pro-apoptotic behavior of the new developed formulation. The pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative activity of the optimized ICA-BM against PNAC1 cells was also demonstrated through annexin V staining as well as estimation of caspase-3 and p53 protein levels. It can be concluded that the optimized ICA-BM formulation significantly improved the efficacy of icariin against cancerous pancreatic cells.

Dietary Antioxidants and Brain Health: Focus on Cognitive and Affective Disorders

Today's society faces major global challenges, including the continuously increasing prevalence of mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, with different risk factors contributing to the trend [...].

Ceftriaxone and Melittin Synergistically Promote Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats

High glucose levels in diabetic patients are implicated in delay wound healing that could lead to more serious clinical complications. The aim of the present work was to examine the formulation of ceftriaxone (CTX) and melittin (MEL) as nanoconjugate (nanocomplex)-loaded hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (1.5% w/v)-based hydrogel for healing of acute wounds in diabetic rats. The CTX–MEL nanoconjugate, formulated by ion-pairing at different molar ratio, was characterized for size and zeta potential and investigated by transmission electron microscopy. CTX–MEL nanoconjugate was prepared, and its preclinical efficacy evaluated in an in vivo model of acute wound. In particular, the potential ability of the innovative CTX–MEL formulation to modulate wound closure, oxidative status, inflammatory markers, and hydroxyproline was evaluated by ELISA, while the histopathological examination was obtained by using hematoxylin and eosin or Masson’s trichrome staining techniques. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) of the excised tissue to measure collagen, type I, alpha 1 (Col1A1) expression and immunohistochemical assessment of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) were also carried out to shed some light on the mechanism of wound healing. Our results show that the CTX–MEL nanocomplex has enhanced ability to regenerate epithelium, also giving better keratinization, epidermal proliferation, and granulation tissue formation, compared to MEL, CTX, or positive control. The nanocomplex also significantly ameliorated the antioxidant status by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. The treatment of wounded skin with the CTX–MEL nanocomplex also showed a significant reduction in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) pro-inflammatory cytokines combined with a substantial increase in hydroxyproline, VEFG-A, and TGF-β1 protein expression compared to individual components or negative control group. Additionally, the CTX–MEL nanocomplex showed a significant increase in mRNA expression levels of Col1A1 as compared to individual compounds. In conclusion, the ion-pairing nanocomplex of CTX–MEL represents a promising carrier that can be topically applied to improve wound healing.