The potential application of natural products in cutaneous wound healing: A review of preclinical evidence

Mixture Containing 5% Polysaccharide Extract of Cerioporus squamosus (Huds.) Quélet, 5% Dexpanthenol, and 0.2% Hyaluronic Acid Shows In Vitro and In Vivo Wound Healing Properties

Background: This study explores wound healing and the antimicrobial potential of a natural formulation containing a polysaccharide extract from Cerioporus squamosus, hyaluronic acid, and dexpanthenol. Methods: Wound healing effects were assessed using HaCaT keratinocytes, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated against human skin pathogens using a microdilution assay. In vitro cytotoxicity tests ensured formulation safety, whereas in vivo wound healing was further investigated using an animal model. Gene expression analysis was performed to assess the molecular mechanisms involved. Results: The unique glucan composition of C. squamosus (15.38% α-glucans and 7.91% β-glucans) deviated from typical mushroom polysaccharide profiles, warranting further exploration of its bioactivity. In vitro mushroom polysaccharides promoted 25.35% wound closure after 24 hours, while the three-component formulation achieved 35.81% closure. Antibacterial activity showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.44-1.75 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBCs) of 0.88-3.50 mg/mL, while antifungal activity ranged from 0.22 to 0.44 mg/mL (MICs) and 0.44 to 0.88 mg/mL (minimum fungicidal concentration-MFC). In vivo data showed that 60% of treated wounds fully closed by day 11, despite no statistically significant difference from the control. However, gene expression analysis highlighted VEGF and collagen upregulation, indicating an enhancement of wound healing on a molecular level. Conclusions: The novel three-component formulation demonstrated consistent wound healing and antimicrobial properties, supporting its potential as a safe and effective treatment for chronic and acute wounds.

Bioactivity, Efficacy, and Safety of a Wound Healing Ointment With Medicinal Plant Bioactives: In Vitro and In Vivo Preclinical Evaluations

Chronic wounds have a significant impact on patients' quality of life, necessitating the management of pain, infection, bleeding, and emotional challenges. Debridement, which involves the removal of nonviable tissue, is crucial for promoting wound healing. In addition to surgical methods, cost-effective alternatives such as local solutions and ointments with biological properties have been explored. The use of natural compounds with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and collagen-synthesizing abilities holds promise for wound healing. This in vitro and in vivo preclinical study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of a wound healing ointment containing bioactive ingredients derived from medicinal plants (extracts, essential oils, and vegetable oils). The chemical composition of the ointment was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to gain insights into its synergistic action. Preclinical tests were conducted following standardized protocols. FTIR analysis revealed similarities between the product's spectrum and that of bioactive compounds. The in vitro tests demonstrated that all formulations of the ointment induced no cell death, DNA damage, or acute toxicity in cell cultures (p < 0.05). No lethal dose was observed, indicating the safety of the ointment at all concentrations. The ointment also stimulated a notably more organized, significantly higher collagen production compared to control groups (p < 0.05). In vivo preclinical analyses also demonstrated no adverse responses being effective in the healing process compared to the control group (silver sulfadiazine) in terms of wound contraction and ulcer re-epithelization (p < 0.05). Significantly higher means of wound contraction were observed in the groups treated with the bioactive-containing ointment when compared to both the positive control group (sulfadiazine) and the control untreated groups (p < 0.05). The regenerative ointment exhibited excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity in in vitro and in vivo studies, contributing to the development of innovative and sustainable wound management therapies.

Natural products in the treatment of diabetic foot infection

Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) are a significant complication in diabetes mellitus, leading to increased morbidity, hospitalizations, and healthcare burdens. The growing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens has reduced the efficacy of conventional treatments, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Natural products, known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, have garnered attention as potential treatments for DFIs. This review examines key natural compounds, including eugenol, thymol, carvacrol, curcumin, and Aloe vera, and their mechanisms of action in combating diabetic infections. We analyze the antimicrobial efficacy of these compounds, their ability to inhibit biofilm formation, and their role in wound healing. The review also explores challenges in integrating natural products into clinical practice and the potential for their use alongside or in place of traditional antibiotic therapies. Our findings suggest that natural products could play a crucial role in developing sustainable and effective treatment strategies for DFIs, especially in the face of rising antimicrobial resistance.

Phytochemical Profiling and Wound Healing Activity of Gigantochloa apus Liquid Smoke in Mus Musculus

Purpose

Rope bamboo (Gigantochloa apus) is traditionally used for medicinal purposes, and extracts from stem leaves and shoots have been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Thus, this study looked at the potential compounds present in and the usefulness of Rope bamboo liquid smoke preparations in the wound healing process in mice.

Methods

The fingerprinting of the liquid smoke was done by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. In-vivo experiments were conducted to observe the diameter and percentage of wound healing in mice for 14 days using topical formulations containing liquid smoke concentrations of 100%, 50%, 25%, positive control and negative control. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation.

Results

The phytochemical fingerprint showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, vitamins, phenols, and lipids. The 100% undiluted liquid smoke accelerated wound healing faster compared to 50% and 25% dilutions. The differences in wound diameters were statistically significant across treatments having a p-value of 0.020 and dose-dependent (p = 0.029).

Conclusion

Liquid smoke acceleration of the wound healing process was dose-dependent compared to controls. This dose-dependency indicates that the wound healing effects were probably due to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the elucidated constituents of Rope bamboo liquid smoke.

Causal associations between type 2 diabetes mellitus, glycemic traits, dietary habits and the risk of pressure ulcers: univariable, bidirectional and multivariable Mendelian randomization

Objective

Previous research has established a connection between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), glycemic traits, dietary habits, and the risk of Pressure Ulcers (PUs). The aim of our study is to disentangle any potential causal relationship between T2DM, glycemic traits, and dietary factors, and the risk of PUs.

Methods

The exposure and outcome datasets were sourced from the IEU Open GWAS project, the Meta-Analyses of Glucose and Insulin-related traits Consortium (MAGIC), and the FinnGen biobank, respectively. The primary MR analysis method employed was the inverse variance-weighted method. Furthermore, we employed multivariable MR (MVMR) adjusting for BMI. Then, we investigated the possibility of a reverse association between glycemic traits and PUs through bidirectional MR. Finally, Heterogeneity and pleiotropic analysis were conducted to ensure the accuracy and robustness of the results.

Results

The findings revealed that T2DM (OR = 1.282, 95% CI: 1.138-1.445, p < 0.001) and Fasting Glucose (FG; OR = 2.111, 95% CI: 1.080-4.129, p = 0.029) were associated with an increased risk of PUs, while salad/raw vegetable intake (OR: 0.014; 95% CI: 0.001-0.278; p = 0.005) was identified as a protective element. However, no other dietary elements demonstrated a statistically significant causality with PUs. In addition, in the reverse direction, there were positive correlation between genetic susceptibility to PUs and an increase in FG (OR: 1.007, 95% CI: 1.000-1.013, p = 0.048) and Fasting Insulin (FI; OR: 1.012, 95% CI: 1.003-1.022, p = 0.011). MVMR results indicated that the causal effect of T2DM on PUs was independent of BMI (OR: 1.260, 95% CI: 1.112-1.427, p < 0.001). These results remained robust when considering weak instrument bias, pleiotropy, and heterogeneity.

Conclusion

This study establishes a causal link between genetically predicted T2DM, FG and an increased risk of PUs. Conversely, Salad/raw vegetable intake is significantly inversely associated with PUs. Simultaneously, we identified two downstream effector factor (FG and FI) that were associated with PUs. These findings may have clinical implications for both prevention and treatment.

Ajuga taiwanensis Extract Promotes Wound-healing via Activation of PDGFR/MAPK Pathway

Chronic and prolonged wounds are a serious public problem that may severely affect the quality of life and result in psychological pressure. Fibroblasts play a crucial role in the wound process and in skin pathology. Herbal drugs have long been used for wound care worldwide. Ajuga taiwanensis (Lamiaceae) is a folk medicine for antipyretics, anti-inflammation, and reducing swelling in Taiwan. This study aimed to investigate the effect of A. taiwanensis in wound healing and the underlying mechanisms. Under human dermal fibroblast (HDF) wound-healing activity-guided fractionation, we found that a sub-fraction (AT-M) of A. taiwanensis extract (AT) and the major ingredients significantly promoted wound healing and decreased IL-1β and - 6 expressions on HDFs. Furthermore, the fraction of AT-M enhanced wound healing on C57BL/6 mouse skins, increased PDGFR expressions, and activated the PDGFR/MAPK pathway. Taken together, A. taiwanensis extracts promote wound healing by the PDGFR pathway and lead to enhanced cell spreading and motility, thereby having a possible beneficial effect on wound healing.

Raepenol™ Cream, a Complex of Natural Compounds, Promotes Wound Healing and Relieves Pruritus In Vivo

BACKGROUND/AIM

Skin wound healing is a physiological process restoring the structural and functional integrity of injured skin. During this process, wound management preventing bacterial infection and complications is important for the regeneration of skin layers and adnexa, as well as the protective function of the skin. Therefore, the development of an effective ointment to promote wound healing without complications is beneficial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study developed Raepenol™ cream, comprising a base cream and natural compounds including paeonol, D-panthenol and extract of Centella asiatica, and assessed its therapeutic effect in wound healing. A rat model of skin wound healing and a mouse model of imiquimod-induced pruritus were employed. The effect of Raepenol™ cream was evaluated by wound size and histological analysis, including the integrity of skin structures and inflammatory response.

RESULTS

Raepenol™ cream treatment effectively restored the structural integrity of the skin in rats, including wound closure, regeneration of skin adnexa, and reconstitution of collagen, comparable to commercial ointment. Additionally, Raepenol™ cream significantly suppressed pruritus by inhibiting mast cell infiltration or retention in the inflammatory site of mouse ears.

CONCLUSION

Raepenol™ cream effectively promoted wound healing and relieved pruritus in animal models. These results suggest that it could be a promising option for wound care and pruritus relief, offering potential advantages over current ointments.

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.

The role of the ImmunatuRNA® complex in promoting skin immunity and its regenerative abilities: Implications for antiaging skincare

INTRODUCTION

Recent advancements in cosmetic science have ushered in a new era of skincare strategies, with a focus on utilizing natural bioactive ingredients to enhance skin health and combat premature aging. The skin, as the largest organ of human body, provides as a vital protective barrier against external hazards such as environmental pollutions, toxins, and radiation. However, intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including various types of radiation, reduced air quality, and increased exposure to pollutants, lead to an imbalance in the skin's immune system, significantly reducing the skin's ability to regenerate and accelerating skin aging. Therefore, there is an emerging need to develop innovative skincare strategies that could support the skin's immune capacity by strengthening antioxidant protection, skin regeneration, and repair. Plant-derived compounds, along with naturally sourced ingredients, show promise in accelerating wound healing, especially when incorporated into cosmetic formulation. ImmunatuRNA® stands as a prime example of a biologically active complex, uniquely comprising yeast-derived RNA, marine exopolysaccharides, and natural hyaluronic acid, that exhibits high antioxidant activity and exerts beneficial modulatory effects on skin microbiota, thereby positively influencing skin immunity.

METHODOLOGY

The main aim of this study was to investigate the potential of the ImmunatuRNA® complex in promoting skin regeneration and reducing signs of skin aging, both through the use of in vitro human skin cultures and the evaluation of clinical trials in healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

The results of conducted experimental studies have shown that the ImmunatuRNA® complex demonstrated significant positive effects on the immunity and repair capabilities of the skin, characterized by increased fibroblast proliferation, enhanced glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and reduced oxidative stress. Furthermore, use of the complex also significantly accelerated wound healing following mechanically-induced damage in the keratinocytes, demonstrated as reduction in wound margins measurement, new cell production, and an increase in regeneration speed. In addition, conduced clinical study on healthy human volunteers with various skin types confirmed that use of cosmetic products that incorporate the ImmunatuRNA® complex within the formulation can visibly improve skin condition, appearance, and general health, achieved by increased skin hydration and elasticity, reduced wrinkles, and enhanced skin firmness.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the usefulness of the ImmunatuRNA® complex in the innovative antiaging cosmetic products that can be suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The inclusion of naturally sourced bioactives, as those found in ImmunatuRNA® complex, represents a promising advancement in holistic natural skincare that consumers appreciate. The active ingredients of the complex support the skin's immunity, fostering its repair and protecting against oxidative damage, thus maintaining skin homeostasis and promoting its regenerative capacity. Further research is necessary to explore the long-term effects of ImmunatuRNA® complex on skin health and its potential applications in innovative skincare formulations.

Metal-Phenolic Networks for Chronic Wounds Therapy

Chronic wounds are recalcitrant complications of a variety of diseases, with pathologic features including bacterial infection, persistent inflammation, and proliferation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the wound microenvironment. Currently, the use of antimicrobial drugs, debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and other methods in clinical for chronic wound treatment is prone to problems such as bacterial resistance, wound expansion, and even exacerbation. In recent years, researchers have proposed many novel materials for the treatment of chronic wounds targeting the disease characteristics, among which metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) are supramolecular network structures that utilize multivalent metal ions and natural polyphenols complexed through ligand bonds. They have a flexible and versatile combination of structural forms and a variety of formations (nanoparticles, coatings, hydrogels, etc.) that can be constructed. Functionally, MPNs combine the chemocatalytic and bactericidal properties of metal ions as well as the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of polyphenol compounds. Together with the excellent properties of rapid synthesis and negligible cytotoxicity, MPNs have attracted researchers' great attention in biomedical fields such as anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. This paper will focus on the composition of MPNs, the mechanisms of MPNs for the treatment of chronic wounds, and the application of MPNs in novel chronic wound therapies.

Exploring bixin from Bixa orellana L. seeds: quantification and in silico insights into its anti-cancer potential

Bixin, the key pigment of Bixa orellana L., is an apo-carotenoid found in the seed arils. The present study aimed to quantitatively determine the bixin content of seeds and explore its anti-cancer activity through in silico studies. The bixin content from the seeds of the local genotype, TNMTP8, quantified by RP-HPLC was 4.58 mg per gram. The prediction of pharmacological activity suggested that bixin may serve as a BRAF, MMP9, TNF expression inhibitors, and TP53 expression enhancer. According to molecular docking analysis, bixin interacted with eight different skin cancer targets and had the lowest binding energy compared to the standard drug, 5-fluorouracil. The binding score between bixin and the targets ranged from -4.7 to -8.7 kcal/mol. The targets BRAF and SIRT3 interacted well with bixin, with binding energies as low as -8.3 and -8.7 kcal/mol, respectively. Hence, the dynamic behavior of these two docked complexes throughout a 500 ns trajectory run was investigated further. The Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF) values, and total contacts as a function of time recorded during scrutiny suggest that both complexes were stable. This was validated by post-molecular dynamics analysis using Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the significant differences in motion exhibited by BRAF-Bixin and SIRT3-Bixin. The results showed that bixin is a promising source for potential treatment interventions in skin cancer therapies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Polymer-Based Hydrogel Loaded with Honey in Drug Delivery System for Wound Healing Applications

Excellent wound dressings should have crucial components, including high porosity, non-toxicity, high water absorption, and the ability to retain a humid environment in the wound area and facilitate wound healing. Unfortunately, current wound dressings hamper the healing process, with poor antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, frequent dressing changes, low biodegradability, and poor mechanical properties. Hydrogels are crosslinked polymer chains with three-dimensional (3D) networks that have been applicable as wound dressings. They could retain a humid environment on the wound site, provide a protective barrier against pathogenic infections, and provide pain relief. Hydrogel can be obtained from natural, synthetic, or hybrid polymers. Honey is a natural substance that has demonstrated several therapeutic efficacies, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant activity, which makes it beneficial for wound treatment. Honey-based hydrogel wound dressings demonstrated excellent characteristics, including good biodegradability and biocompatibility, stimulated cell proliferation and reepithelization, inhibited bacterial growth, and accelerated wound healing. This review aimed to demonstrate the potential of honey-based hydrogel in wound healing applications and complement the studies accessible regarding implementing honey-based hydrogel dressing for wound healing.

A Digital Tool for Measuring Healing of Chronic Wounds Treated with an Antioxidant Dressing: A Case Series

(1) Abstract: Wound monitoring is an essential aspect in the evaluation of wound healing. This can be carried out with the multidimensional tool HELCOS, which develops a quantitative analysis and graphic representation of wound healing evolution via imaging. It compares the area and tissues present in the wound bed. This instrument is used for chronic wounds in which the healing process is altered. This article describes the potential use of this tool to improve the monitoring and follow-up of wounds and presents a case series of various chronic wounds with diverse etiology treated with an antioxidant dressing. (2) Methods: A secondary analysis of data from a case series of wounds treated with an antioxidant dressing and monitored with the HELCOS tool. (3) Results: The HELCOS tool is useful for measuring changes in the wound area and identifying wound bed tissues. In the six cases described in this article, the tool was able to monitor the healing of the wounds treated with the antioxidant dressing. (4) Conclusions: the monitoring of wound healing with this multidimensional HELCOS tool offers new possibilities to facilitate treatment decisions by healthcare professionals.

Kampo herbal ointments for skin wound healing

The management of skin wound healing problems is a public health issue in which traditional herbal medicines could play a determining role. Kampo medicine, with three traditionally used ointments, provides interesting solutions for these dermatological issues. These ointments named Shiunkō, Chuōkō, and Shinsen taitsukō all have in common a lipophilic base of sesame oil and beeswax from which herbal crude drugs are extracted according to several possible manufacturing protocols. This review article brings together existing data on metabolites involved in the complex wound healing process. Among them are representatives of the botanical genera Angelica, Lithospermum, Curcuma, Phellodendron, Paeonia, Rheum, Rehmannia, Scrophularia, or Cinnamomum. Kampo provides numerous metabolites of interest, whose content in crude drugs is very sensitive to different biotic and abiotic factors and to the different extraction protocols used for these ointments. If Kampo medicine is known for its singular standardization, ointments are not well known, and research on these lipophilic formulas has not been developed due to the analytical difficulties encountered in biological and metabolomic analysis. Further research considering the complexities of these unique herbal ointments could contribute to a rationalization of Kampo's therapeutic uses for wound healing.