Effects of Danshensu and Salvianolic Acid B from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae) on cell proliferation and collagen and melanin production

Exploring the Traditional Uses of Thymbra capitata Infusion in Algarve (Portugal): Anti-Inflammatory, Wound Healing, and Anti-Aging

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the resolution of infection or tissue damage. In addition, inflammation is considered a hallmark of aging, which in turn compromises wound healing. Thymbra capitata is an aromatic plant, whose infusion is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent. In this study, a T. capitata infusion was prepared and characterized by HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSn and its safety profile determined by the resazurin metabolic assay. The anti-inflammatory potential was revealed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages by assessing nitric oxide (NO) release and levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the interleukin-1β pro-form (pro-IL-1β). Wound-healing capacity was determined using the scratch assay. The activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase was used to unveil the anti-senescent potential, along with the nuclear accumulation of yH2AX and p21 levels. The antiradical potential was assessed by DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays. The infusion contains predominantly rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acids. The extract decreased NO, iNOS, and pro-IL-1β levels. Interestingly, the extract promoted wound healing and decreased β-galactosidase activity, as well as yH2AX and p21 levels. The present work highlights strong antiradical, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing capacities, corroborating the traditional uses ascribed to this plant. We have described, for the first time for this extract, anti-senescent properties.

Lavandula austroapennina (Lamiaceae): Getting Insights into Bioactive Polyphenols of a Rare Italian Endemic Vascular Plant

Lavandula austroapennina N.G. Passal., Tundis and Upon has recently been described as a new species endemic to the southern Apennines (Italy). Locally, this species has a long ethnobotanical tradition of use for curative and decoration purposes and has been the protagonist of a flourishing essential oil production chain. Currently, while this tradition has long since ended, attention to the species is necessary, with a view to enhancing marginal and rural areas, as a recovery of a precious resource to (i) get insights into its (poly)phenolic fraction and (ii) address new and innovative uses of all its organs in various application fields (e.g., cosmeceutical sector). Therefore, after field sampling and dissection of its organs (i.e., corolla, calyx, leaf, stem and root), the latter, previously deterpenated and defatted, were subjected to accelerated ultrasound extraction and the related alcoholic extracts were obtained. Chemical composition, explored by UHPLC-QqTOF-MS/MS, and the following multivariate data analysis showed that the hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives are abundant in the leaf, stem and root, while flavonoids are more present in corolla and calyx. In particular, coumaroyl flavonoids with glyconic portion containing also hexuronyl moieties differentiated corolla organ, while yunnaneic acid D isomers and esculin distinguished root. When antiradical and reducing properties were evaluated (by means of ABTS, DPPH and PFRAP tests), a similar clustering of organs was achieved and the marked antioxidant efficacy of leaf, stem and root extracts was found. Thus, following cytotoxicity screening by MTT test on HaCaT keratinocytes, the protective effects of the organ extracts were assessed by wound closure observed after the scratch test. In addition, the extracts from corolla, leaf and stem were particularly active at low doses inducing rapid wound closure on HaCaT cells at a concentration of 1 μg/mL. The diversity in (poly)phenols of each organ and the promising bioactivity preliminarily assessed suggest further investigation to be carried out to fully recover and valorize this precious endemic vascular plant.

Gene-Expression Analysis of Human Fibroblasts Affected by 3D-Printed Carboxylated Nanocellulose Constructs

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a highly valuable tool to manufacture porous constructs. This has major advantages in, for example, tissue engineering, in which 3D scaffolds provide a microenvironment with adequate porosity for cell growth and migration as a simulation of tissue regeneration. In this study, we assessed the suitability of three cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) that were obtained through 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpyperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation. The CNFs were obtained by applying three levels of carboxylation, i.e., 2.5, 3.8, and 6.0 mmol sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) per gram of cellulose. The CNFs exhibited different nanofibrillation levels, affecting the corresponding viscosity and 3D printability of the CNF gels (0.6 wt%). The scaffolds were manufactured by micro-extrusion and the nanomechanical properties were assessed with nanoindentation. Importantly, fibroblasts were grown on the scaffolds and the expression levels of the marker genes, which are relevant for wound healing and proliferation, were assessed in order to reveal the effect of the 3D-scaffold microenvironment of the cells.

An Update on the Potential Application of Herbal Medicine in Promoting Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillaries from pre-existing vascular networks, plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes. The use of pro-angiogenic agents has been proposed as an attractive approach for promoting wound healing and treating vascular insufficiency-related problems, such as ischemic heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. Traditional herbal medicine has a long history; however, there is still a need for more in-depth studies and evidence-based confirmation from controlled and validated trials. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that herbal medicines and their bioactive ingredients exert pro-angiogenic activity. The most frequently studied pro-angiogenic phytochemicals include ginsenosides from Panax notoginseng, astragalosides and calycosin from Radix Astragali, salvianolic acid B from Salvia miltiorrhiza, paeoniflorin from Radix Paeoniae, ilexsaponin A1 from Ilex pubescens, ferulic acid from Angelica sinensis, and puerarin from Radix puerariae. This review summarizes the progress in research on these phytochemicals, particularly those related to pro-angiogenic mechanisms and applications in ischemic diseases, tissue repair, and wound healing. In addition, an outline of their limitations and challenges during drug development is presented.

Botanical Drugs in Traditional Chinese Medicine With Wound Healing Properties

Chronic and unhealed wound is a serious public problem, which brings severe economic burdens and psychological pressure to patients. Various botanical drugs in traditional Chinese medicine have been used for the treatment of wounds since ancient time. Nowadays, multiple wound healing therapeutics derived from botanical drugs are commercially available worldwide. An increasing number of investigations have been conducted to elucidate the wound healing activities and the potential mechanisms of botanical drugs in recent years. The aim of this review is to summarize the botanical drugs in traditional Chinese medicine with wound healing properties and the underlying mechanisms of them, which can contribute to the research of wound healing and drug development. Taken together, five botanical drugs that have been developed into commercially available products, and 24 botanical drugs with excellent wound healing activities and several multiherbal preparations are reviewed in this article.

Salvianolic acid B regulates collagen synthesis: Indirect influence on human dermal fibroblasts through the microvascular endothelial cell pathway

BACKGROUND

Salvianolic acid B (SAB) is one of the main active ingredients of Salvia Miltiorrhiza. It has significant skin anti-aging, whitening, and sun protection properties.

AIMS

The study aimed at studying the mechanism underlying the effect of salvianolic acid Bon collagen synthesis, which has good anti-aging efficacy and modulates microcirculation.

METHODS

This study employed available public databases, bioinformatics methodologies, and the inverse docking approach to explore the effectiveness of SAB in the regulating collagen synthesis, and then used an human dermal fibroblast (HDF)- Human dermal microvascular endothelial cell (HDMEC) in vitro model to validate the predicted mechanism of SAB in influencing collagen synthesis.

RESULTS

The results showed that NO production in SAB-treated HDMEC-conditioned medium was increased compared to that in control media, and the same tendency was also observed for growth factor production. SAB also upregulated HDMEC cellular eNOS and VEGF. When SAB-treated HDMEC conditioned medium was transferred to HDFs, the expression of collagen I, collagen III, and elastin in HDFs was upregulated and MMP-1 was downregulated.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that SAB regulates collagen through the HDMEC-HDF pathway. Furthermore, the mechanisms might be closely related to the microcirculation factors NO and VEGF.

Compendium of Conventional and Targeted Drug Delivery Formulation Used for the Treatment and Management of the Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that involves the restoration of normal physiology and functioning of injured tissue. The process of wound healing is primarily regulated by various cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and growth factors at the molecular level. Any intervention in the normal wound healing process leads to further tissue damage, which in turn leads to delayed wound healing. Several natural, synthetic drugs and their combinations were used to restored and accelerate the wound healing process. However, the conventional delivery carriers were not much effective, and thus, nowadays, nanocarriers are gaining much popularity since they are playing a pivotal role in drug delivery. Since nanocarriers have their own applicability and benefits (enhance the bioavailability, site-specific targeting) so, they can accelerate wound healing more efficiently. This review briefly discussed about the various events that take place during the wound healing process with emphasis on various natural, synthetic, and combination drug therapy used for accelerating wound healing and the role of nanotechnology-based approaches in chronic wound healing.

Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity of Salvianolic Acid B on In Vitro Experimental Model

Despite a wide range of bactericides and antiseptics, the treatment of chronic or complicated wounds is still a major challenge for modern medicine. Topical medications are the most sought-after new agents for use as treatment. The therapeutic concentration of their active substances is easy to achieve with the lowest possible burden on the patient’s body. This study assesses the effect of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) on the proliferation, migration, and production of collagen type III by fibroblasts, which are the most important processes in wound healing. The study was conducted on human gingival fibroblasts obtained from primary cell culture. The results showed that Sal B at a dose of 75 µg/mL increases the cell viability with significant stimulation of the cell migration as demonstrated in the wound healing assay, as well as an increase in the expression of collagen type III, which has great importance in the initial stages of wound scarring. The results obtained in the conducted studies and previous scientific reports on the antibacterial properties and low toxicity of Sal B indicate its high potential in wound healing.

Danshensu alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting lung fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition via the MEK/ERK signaling pathway

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic pulmonary interstitial disease, and its pathological process is closely related to fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation. Danshensu (DSS) has been reported to exert an anti-fibrotic effect in heart and liver. However, it is unknown whether DSS has an equally anti-fibrotic effect on lungs. To evaluate the effect of DSS on PF and demonstrate its possible molecular mechanisms, we established an in vitro model on TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL)-stimulated NIH3T3 cells and in vivo model on bleomycin (BLM) (5 mg/kg)-induced PF mice. In vitro, our results revealed that 50 μM DSS effectively inhibited the fibroblast proliferation, migration and differentiation into myofibroblast. In vivo, our results showed that DSS (28 and 56 mg/kg) reduced damaged lung structures, infiltrated inflammatory cells and accumulated areas of collagen deposition. Moreover, we showed that DSS decreased the fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1) - and α-SMA-positive areas. Meanwhile, we indicated that DSS reduced the expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA and COL-I in the lung tissues of mice. To further explore the mechanism of DSS on alleviating PF, we detected the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Our results showed that DSS reduced the phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2, indicating that DSS might inhibit the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Taken together, these results demonstrated that DSS could suppress lung fibroblast proliferation, migration and differentiation to myofibroblasts, possibly through suppressing the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, which suggested that DSS might be a potential therapeutic drug for PF treatment.

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.

Salvianolic acid B ameliorates psoriatic changes in imiquimod-induced psoriasis on BALB/c mice by inhibiting inflammatory and keratin markers via altering phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway

Salvianolic acid B (SAB) is an active phytocomponent of a popular Chinese herb called Radix Salvia militiorrhiza with numerous biological properties. The anti-psoriasis activity of SAB was examined by evaluating various psoriasis inflammatory and keratin markers against imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis on BALB/c mice. Totally 50 healthy BALB/c mice were evenly divided into 5 groups including control, drug control (SAB; 40 mg/kg), IMQ-induced psoriasis (5%), IMQ exposure and treated with SAB (40 mg/kg), or standard methotrexate (MTX; 1 mg/kg). Mice supplemented with either SAB or MTX significantly lowered the values of psoriasis area severity index (PASI), erythema, scaling, skin thickness, inflammatory markers (interleukin [IL]-22/23/17A/1β/6) and lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde). Also, IMQ exposed BALB/c mice treated with SAB or MTX display lesser histopathological changes with enhanced antioxidant activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase). Moreover, the protein expression of keratin markers (K16 and K17) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling proteins (pAkt/Akt and pPI3K/PI3K) were significantly downregulated after administration with SAB and MTX as compared with IMQ induced mice. Taking together, SAB and MTX significantly ameliorate psoriatic changes by inhibiting psoriatic inflammatory and keratin markers through abolishing PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. However, further studies (clinical trials) are needed to confirm the anti-psoriatic property of SAB before recommending to psoriasis patients.

Sodium Danshensu Inhibits Oral Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion by Modulating p38 Signaling Pathway

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) that comprises about 90% of all oral cancer cases is associated with poor prognosis due to its highly metastatic nature. The majority of OSCC treatment options are related detrimental side-effects. Hypothesis/Purpose: The present study aimed at deciphering the effects of a bioactive phytochemical, sodium danshensu, on human oral cancer cell metastasis. Methods and Results: The treatment of FaDu and Ca9-22 cells with different doses of sodium danshensu (25, 50, and 100 μM) caused a significant reduction in cellular motility, migration, and invasion, as compared to the untreated cells. This effect was associated with a reduced expression of MMP-2, vimentin and N-cadherin, together with an enhanced expression of E-cadherin and ZO-1. Further investigation on the molecular mechanism revealed that treatment with sodium danshensu caused significant reduction in p38 phosphorylation; however, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 significantly decreased only in FaDu cells, whereas p-JNK1/2 did not show any alteration. A combination of p38 and JNK1/2 inhibitors with sodium danshensu also reduced the migration in the FaDu and Ca9-22 cell lines. Conclusion: Collectively, the present study findings reveal that sodium danshensu execute anti-metastatic effect by suppressing p38 phosphorylation in human oral cancer. The study identifies sodium danshensu as a potential natural anticancer agent that can be used therapeutically to manage highly metastatic OSCC.

Advances in the Tyrosinase Inhibitors from Plant Source

Tyrosinase is a multifunctional copper-containing oxidase which catalyses the oxidation of tyrosine to produce melanin. The alteration in melanin biosynthesis occurs in many diseases. The pigment has a protecting role against skin photo-carcinogenesis, but anomalous melanin pigmentation is an aesthetic problem in human beings. Moreover, the formation of neuromelanin in human brain could contribute to the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson's disease. Finally, tyrosinase is also responsible for undesired browning in fruits and vegetables. These topics encouraged the search for new inhibitors of this enzyme for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and foods industries. This review is to report recent trends in the discovery of tyrosinase inhibitors from plant sources, to provide a rationale for the continued study of natural tyrosinase inhibitors, and to recognise the potential therapeutic rewards associated with the identification of these agents.

Wound Healing and the Use of Medicinal Plants

Cutaneous wound healing is the process by which skin repairs itself. It is generally accepted that cutaneous wound healing can be divided into 4 phases: haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. In humans, keratinocytes re-form a functional epidermis (reepithelialization) as rapidly as possible, closing the wound and reestablishing tissue homeostasis. Dermal fibroblasts migrate into the wound bed and proliferate, creating “granulation tissue” rich in extracellular matrix proteins and supporting the growth of new blood vessels. Ultimately, this is remodelled over an extended period, returning the injured tissue to a state similar to that before injury. Dysregulation in any phase of the wound healing cascade delays healing and may result in various skin pathologies, including nonhealing, or chronic ulceration. Indigenous and traditional medicines make extensive use of natural products and derivatives of natural products and provide more than half of all medicines consumed today throughout the world. Recognising the important role traditional medicine continues to play, we have undertaken an extensive survey of literature reporting the use of medical plants and plant-based products for cutaneous wounds. We describe the active ingredients, bioactivities, clinical uses, formulations, methods of preparation, and clinical value of 36 medical plant species. Several species stand out, including Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, and Paeonia suffruticosa, which are popular wound healing products used by several cultures and ethnic groups. The popularity and evidence of continued use clearly indicates that there are still lessons to be learned from traditional practices. Hidden in the myriad of natural products and derivatives from natural products are undescribed reagents, unexplored combinations, and adjunct compounds that could have a place in the contemporary therapeutic inventory.

Effect of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Injection in Patients With Autologous Fat Grafting to the Breast: A Preliminary Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) is an herb used in Chinese medicine formulations for promoting blood circulation and minimizing vascular stasis. It has been successfully utilized in treating cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, thromboembolism, and angina.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to study the effect of SM injections in autologous fat grafting to the breast.

METHODS

Fifteen women who elected to undergo breast augmentation with autologous fat grafting were included in this study. Of these, 10 were given intravenous infusions of SM for 4 weeks perioperatively, and the remaining 5 did not receive herbal infusion. The increase in breast volume after fat grafting was measured in both the groups using a three-dimensional scanner. Breast tissue specimens were harvested just before the second fat injection procedure and were analyzed by the immunofluorescence staining test.

RESULTS

All of the patients showed improvement in breast volume after fat grafting. The fat graft retention rate in the SM group was 60.06 ± 16.12%, whereas that in the non-SM group was 34.04 ± 11.15%. In addition, the SMG showed good breast morphology and absence of cyst formation.

CONCLUSIONS

SM has the potential to increase the retention rate of fat grafts in breast augmentation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Medicinal Plant Extracts and Their Use As Wound Closure Inducing Agents

Skin insult and damage start a complex healing process that involves a myriad of coordinated reactions at both the cellular and molecular level occurring simultaneously. These processes can be divided into that of cell migration and tissue remodeling of the wound. In addition, it is well known that deep wounds that derive from surgical procedures need a multidisciplinary approach to have a successful wound healing process. Recently, there has been a renowned interest in the identification of active compounds derived from ornamental, edible, and wild plants being used in the cosmetic and skin product industry. Recent reports suggest that active components of several plants such as Propolis and Aloe vera could be used to induce the process of wound healing and tissue regeneration and reducing therefore the time to complete wound closure. Other plant species such as Achillea millefolium or Salvia officinalis have anti-inflammatory properties and promote cellular proliferation contributing to faster tissue regeneration. It has been described that Malva sylvestris influences the formation of fibrosis-free granulation tissue in the skin. Recent observations suggest that Casearia sylvestris induces the angiogenic process. These effects have been evaluated in cell lines, different animal models, and some in randomized clinical trials. In this review we summarize the evidence of plant extracts and their active components (when known) in the acceleration of the wound closure process and tissue repair.

A Newly Authenticated Compound from Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Induces Melanogenesis in B16-F10 Cells by Increasing Tyrosinase Activity

Vitiligo is a kind of skin dysfunction on melanogenesis. The highly prevalent, chronic, and distinctive complexion changes on patients have imposed enormous psychic and economic burden on both individuals and society. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a kind of precious source on chronic disease treatment, including skin dysfunctional diseases. In our previous study, a new compound named apigenin-7-butylene glucoside has been authenticated and purified from a prescription of Chinese traditional medicine formula which has been used clinically in vitiligo treatment. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of this compound on melanogenesis using melanoma cell B16-F10 in vitro. The results showed that apigenin-7-butylene glucoside had almost no cytotoxicity on B16-F10 cells within a lower dose of 5.0 μg ml⁻¹ and enhanced the melanin level to about 41% and tyrosinase activity to 1.32-fold when compared with controls. The compound showed minor cytotoxicity to B16-F10 cells at the higher concentration of 10 μg ml⁻¹ and 50 μg ml⁻¹, the inhibition rate was 8.4% and 11.8%, and the melanin level and tyrosinase activity showed a decreased trend because of the lower cell number at the higher concentrations. The results indicated that apigenin-7-butylene glucoside was safe to B16-F10 cells within a lower concentration, <5.0 μg ml⁻¹. Incubated with 5.0 ug ml⁻¹of apigenin-7-butylene glucoside for 48 hours, the mRNA and protein levels of Tyr, Trp-1, and Trp-2 genes were all increased except Mitf in B16-F10 cells. The stimulation of apigenin-7-butylene glucoside on melanogenesis of B16-F10 cells through Tyr, Trp-1, and Trp-2 pathway highlighted the potential usage of the compound in vitiligo treatment.

Bioactivities, biosynthesis and biotechnological production of phenolic acids in Salvia miltiorrhiza

Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen in Chinese), is a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal plant, which is used as not only human medicine but also health-promotion food. Danshen has been extensively used for the treatment of various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. As a major group of bioactive constituents from S. miltiorrhiza, water-soluble phenolic acids such as salvianolic acid B possessed good bioactivities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and other health-promoting activities. It is of significance to improve the production of phenolic acids by modern biotechnology approaches to meet the increasing market demand. Significant progresses have been made in understanding the biosynthetic pathway and regulation mechanism of phenolic acids in S.miltiorrhiza, which will facilitate the process of targeted metabolic engineering or synthetic biology. Furthermore, multiple biotechnology methods such as in vitro culture, elicitation, hairy roots, endophytic fungi and bioreactors have been also used to obtain pharmaceutically active phenolic acids from S. miltiorrhiza. In this review, recent advances in bioactivities, biosynthetic pathway and biotechnological production of phenolic acid ingredients were summarized and future prospective was also discussed.

Efficient glycosylation of natural Danshensu and its enantiomer by sugar and 2-deoxy sugar donors

An efficient methodology of the glycosylation process of a secondary plant metabolite (R-Danshensu) and its enantiomer by sugar and 2-deoxy sugar donors was developed. The overall synthesis of the new sugar derivatives involved two steps, starting from the previously synthesized protected R and S Danshensu (1 and 2). The deoxy sugar derivatives of R and S Danshensu were obtained from available tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-D-glucal and di-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-D-ramnal. The direct glycosylation of 1 and 2 using glycal activation by an acid catalyst in all cases led to the α-anomers of deoxy sugar derivatives with good yields. As a result, a novel group of sugar and deoxy sugar conjugates with optically pure polyphenolic acids was successfully synthesized and their cytotoxic profile against two cancer cell lines was tested. An advantageous ADME profile and antiproliferative data classified this new group of compounds as a promising scaffold for further modification of more potent and selective anticancer agents.

Beneficial effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza in the healing of burn wounds: an experimental study in rats

INTRODUCTION

Burn healing is a complicated process and very few treatments can positively alter its effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM -Danshen), a traditional Chinese medicine, on burn wound healing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty rats were included in this study and divided into two groups. 3 × 2 cm wide burn areas were created in the dorsal skin of all the animals with thermal contact. Intraoral 1 ml/day saline and 1 g/kg/day SM were given in control and experiment groups, respectively. Fourteen days following the burn injury burn zones were evaluated with indocyanine green-SPY imaging device, and multiple samples were collected for histopathological evaluation. Standard photographs were taken for the evaluation of necrotic skin areas.

RESULTS

Neovascularization was increased in the SM group when compared with the control group (p = 0.0406). SPY studies revealed a meaningful increase in the tissue perfusion in the SM group (p = 0.0286). The average amount of necrotic area in the control and experiment group on the postoperative 14th day was 71.6% (±16.51) and 42.5% (±10.64) respectively (p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that SM can decrease the amount of necrosis in burn wounds by increasing tissue perfusion and neovascularization.

Camellia sinensis increased apoptosis on U2OS osteosarcoma cells and wound healing potential on NIH3T3 fibroblast cells

Camellia sinensis (Cs) is a plant which is rich in polyphenols and has antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic and antibacterial activities. In this study, two different methanol extracts (Cs-I and Cs-II) were prepared from the leaf of C. sinensis in order to investigate the wound healing and anticancer activities. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the extracts were determined. Wound healing effects of Cs extracts were evaluated by using Masson's Trichrome Tecnique on NIH3T3 fibroblast cells. Cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the extracts were determined by MTT and AnnexinV-PI assays on U2OS osteosarcoma cells. Total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of the extracts were almost the same. The highest concentration (60 µg/mL) of the extracts showed significant cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on U2OS cells. Especially, the highest apoptotic effect was determined with 60 µg/mL Cs-I extract. Significant wound healing potential on NIH3T3 fibroblast cells were determined especially with low extract concentrations (0.5, 1 and 5 µg/mL), while high extract concentrations showed significant anticancer effects. As a result, two Cs leaf extracts exhibited important apoptotic properties and both have wound healing potential. However, the Cs-I extract was found more effective on apoptotic osteosarcoma cell death and has an increased wound healing potential than the Cs-II extract.

Anticancer Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza Alcohol Extract on Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells

Researchers have reported significant effects from Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) in terms of inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinomas, promyelocytic leukemia, and clear cell ovary carcinomas. Here we report our data indicating that Danshen extracts, especially alcohol extract, significantly inhibited the proliferation of the human oral squamous carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines HSC-3 and OC-2. We also observed that Danshen alcohol extract activated the caspase-3 apoptosis executor by impeding members of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family, but not by regulating the Bcl-2-triggered mitochondrial pathway in OSCC cells. Our data also indicate that the extract exerted promising effects in vivo, with HSC-3 tumor xenograft growth being suppressed by 40% and 69% following treatment with Danshen alcohol extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, for 34 days. Combined, our results indicate appreciable anticancer activity and significant potential for Danshen alcohol extract as a natural antioxidant and herbal human oral cancer chemopreventive drug.

Comparative Studies on Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant, Wound Healing and Cytotoxic Activities of Selected Achillea L. Species Growing in Turkey

Turkey is one of the most important centers of diversity for the genus Achillea L. in the world. Keeping in mind the immense medicinal importance of phenols, in this study, three species growing in Turkey, A. coarctata Poir. (AC), A. kotschyi Boiss. subsp. kotschyi (AK) and A. lycaonica Boiss. & Heldr. (AL) were evaluated for their phenolic compositions, total phenolic contents (TPC), antioxidant properties, wound healing potencies on NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Comprehensive LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that AK was distinctively rich in chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, apigenin, hesperidin, rutin, kaempferol and luteolin (2890.6, 987.3, 797.0, 422.5, 188.1, 159.4 and 121.2 µg analyte/g extract, respectively). The findings exhibited a strong correlation between TPC and both free radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Among studied species, the highest TPC (148.00 mg GAE/g extract) and TAC (2.080 UAE), the strongest radical scavenging (EC₅₀ = 32.63 μg/mL), the most prominent wound healing and most abundant cytotoxic activities were observed with AK. The results suggested that AK is a valuable source of flavonoids and chlorogenic acid with important antioxidant, wound healing and cytotoxic activities. These findings warrant further studies to assess the potential of AK as a bioactive source that could be exploited in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries.

Upregulation of Collagen Expression via PPARβ/δ Activation in Aged Skin by Magnesium Lithospermate B from Salvia miltiorrhiza

This study investigated the agonistic activity of magnesium lithospermate B (1), isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza, on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARβ/δ) and the expressions of collagen genes (COL1A1 and COL3A1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in models of skin aging. The action of compound 1 as a PPARβ/δ agonist was determined by reporter gene assay, immunostaining, and Western blotting. To determine the antiaging effects of compound 1 on skin, aged Sprague-Dawley rat skin and ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated human skin fibroblasts were used. The results show that 1 presented a marked enhancement of both nuclear protein levels and activity of PPARβ/δ in fibroblasts. In addition, 1 prevented downregulation of PPARβ/δ activity in aged rat skin and UVB-induced fibroblasts. Furthermore, 1 increased the expressions of COL1A1, COL3A1, and TGF-β1 in vivo and in a cell culture system. Therefore, the present study shows that compound 1 prevents collagen degradation in aged rat skin and UVB-exposed fibroblasts through PPARβ/δ activation. The therapeutic and cosmetic applications of compound 1 need further investigation.

Neuroprotective effect and underlying mechanism of sodium danshensu [3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) lactic acid from Radix and Rhizoma Salviae miltiorrhizae = Danshen] against cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats

Sodium danshensu (SDSS), the sodium salt of danshensu (DSS), has the same pharmacological effects as DSS. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect and possible mechanism of SDSS against cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, control, 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg SDSS. Cerebral ischemia was induced by 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Neurological functional deficits were evaluated according to the modified neurological severity score (mNSS); cerebral infarct volume and histological damage were measured by TTC or H-E staining. In addition, the number of apoptotic cells and caspase 3/7 activity were assessed by TUNEL or Caspase-Glo assay. And the expression of apoptosis-regulatory proteins and the PI3K/Akt pathway were investigated by western blotting. Our results showed that treatment with SDSS for 5 days after MCAO remarkably improved neurologic deficits and survival rate, reduced infarct volume and the number of dead neurons. SDSS also decreased the number of apoptotic cells, regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax, and increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. Further study revealed that treatment with SDSS also increased the level of p-Akt and p-GSK-3β. Taken together, our results suggest that SDSS has the neuroprotective effect against cerebral I/R injury, and the potential mechanism might to inhibition of apoptosis through activating the PI3K/Akt signal pathway.

Hair dyes resorcinol and lawsone reduce production of melanin in melanoma cells by tyrosinase activity inhibition and decreasing tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression

Hair coloring products are one of the most important cosmetics for modern people; there are three major types of hair dyes, including the temporary, semi-permanent and permanent hair dyes. The selected hair dyes (such as ammonium persulfate, sodium persulfate, resorcinol and lawsone) are the important components for hair coloring products. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of these compounds on melanogenesis in B16-F10 melanoma cells. The results proved that hair dyes resorcinol and lawsone can reduce the production of melanin. The results also confirmed that resorcinol and lawsone inhibit mushroom and cellular tyrosinase activities in vitro. Resorcinol and lawsone can also downregulate the protein levels of tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) in B16-F10 cells. Thus, we suggest that frequent use of hair dyes may have the risk of reducing natural melanin production in hair follicles. Moreover, resorcinol and lawsone may also be used as hypopigmenting agents to food, agricultural and cosmetic industry in the future.

Establishment of a melanogenesis regulation assay system using a fluorescent protein reporter combined with the promoters for the melanogenesis-related genes in human melanoma cells

There are two established depigmenting agent assays currently in use. However, these methods are unreliable and time-consuming. Therefore, it will be valuable to establish a better assay system for depigmenting agent analysis. In this study, we established a melanogenesis regulation assay system using a fluorescent protein reporter combined with the promoters for the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase (Tyr) and dopachrome tautomerase (Dct) genes in MeWo human melanoma cells. We used several melanogenesis regulators, including theophylline, hesperetin, arbutin and rottlerin, to confirm the function of this assay system. The established MeWo/pMITF-EGFP, MeWo/pTyr-EGFP and MeWo/pDct-EGFP stable cells integrated the pMITF-EGFP, pTyr-EGFP and pDct-EGFP plasmids into their genomic DNA. These stably transfected cells were used to examine alterations in the expression of the MITF, Tyr and Dct genes. All of the tested compounds, including theophylline, hesperetin, arbutin and rottlerin, could be analyzed in the stable cells, producing reliable results. Therefore, we believe that this melanogenesis regulation assay system can be used as a rapid and reliable assay system to analyze the regulation of melanogenesis by many known or unknown compounds.

Effect of chlorogenic acid on melanogenesis of B16 melanoma cells

Chlorogenic acid (CGA), the ester formed between caffeic acid and l-quinic acid, is a widespread phenolic compound. It is part of the human diet, found in foods such as coffee, apples, pears, etc. CGA is also was widely used in cosmetics, but the effects of CGA on melanogenesis are unknown. In this study, we analyzed the effects of CGA on cell proliferation, melanin content and tyrosinase of B16 murine melanoma cells. Additionally, the enzymatic reactions of CGA in B16 melanoma cells lytic solution were detected by UV spectrophotometry. Results showed CGA at 30 and 60 μM significantly suppresses cell proliferation. 8-MOP at 100 μM significantly promotes cell proliferation, but CGA can counter this. Incubated for 24 h, CGA (500 μM) improves melanogenesis while suppressing tyrosinase activity in B16 melanoma cells or 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) co-incubated B16 melanoma cells. After 12 h, B16 melanoma cell treatment with CGA leads to an increase in melanin accumulation, however, after 48 h there is a decrease in melanin production which correlates broadly with a decrease in tyrosinase activity. CGA incubated with lytic solution 24 h turned brown at 37 °C. The formation of new products (with a maximum absorption at 295 nm) is associated with reduction of CGA (maximum absorption at 326 nm). Therefore, CGA has its two sidesroles in melanogenesis of B16 melanoma cells. CGA is a likely a substrate of melanin, but the metabolic product(s) of CGA may suppress melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells by inhibiting tyrosinase activity.

Ectopic expression of human acidic fibroblast growth factor 1 in the medicinal plant, Salvia miltiorrhiza, accelerates the healing of burn wounds

Background

Healing of burns is a complex process and very few effective treatments exist to facilitate the burn recovery process. Human acidic fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) plays an important role in a variety of biological processes, including angiogenesis, and tissue repair. Salvia miltiorrhiza is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine as an herb for the treatment of various diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and traumatic injuries. We present that expression of FGF-1 in S. miltiorrhiza significantly accelerates the healing of burn wounds.

Results

The human fgf-1 gene was fused with a barley α-amylase signal peptide DNA sequence and driven by a 35S promoter for constitutive expression in transgenic S. miltiorrhiza plants. The highest yield of recombinant FGF-1 obtained from leaves of transgenic S. miltiorrhiza lines was 272 ng/fresh weight. Aqueous extracts from transgenic S. miltiorrhiza exhibited FGF-1 activity approximately 19.2-fold greater than that of the standard FGF-1. Compared to the standard FGF-1 or the extracts obtained from non-transgenic plants, it stimulated proliferation of Balb/c 3 T3 mouse fibroblast cells assessed with the standard MTT assay and promoted angiogenesis in the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Topical application of the extract significantly accelerated the burn wound healing process.

Conclusions

The product appears to retain the biological activity of both FGF-1 as well as the medicinal properties of the plant. The extracts from transgenic S. miltiorrhiza combines the therapeutic functions of FGF-1 and the medicinal plant, S. miltiorrhiza. Topical application of the product can reduce the costs associated with extraction, purification, and recovery.