Topical continuous use of Lippia sidoides Cham. essential oil induces cutaneous inflammatory response, but does not delay wound healing process

Wound Healing Effect of Lippia sidoides and Myracrodruon urundeuva Nanogel

Wound healing is a natural regenerative response to tissue injury and the conventional treatments consists of the use wound dressings with local administration of medicines, but, in some cases, are only partially effective and limited by toxicity or ineffective anti-microbial protection. Medicinal plants such as Lippia sidoides and Myracrodruon urundeuva have shown interesting pharmacological activities, allied to this, the association of these medicinal plants and nanotechnology, could mean an advantage in relation to classical approach. This study investigated the effect of a nanogel loaded with Lippia sidoides essential oil and Myracrodruon urundeuva extract (NAA) in an excisional wound healing model in rats. Animals were anesthetized and skin wounds were made using a metal punch. The groups were treated with vehicle, NAA or collagenase gel, for 7, 14 or 21 days and then sacrificed for tissue analysis. NAA did not show acute dermal irritation, further significantly reduced (p<0.05) the final wound area, accelerated the wound contraction and organization of collagen in the group treated for 14 days. The data presented here demonstrate the therapeutic potential for the use of nanotechnology associated with medicinal plants and provides evidence that corroborate with the use of L. sidoides and M. urundeuva as healing medicinal plants.

Medicinal Plants from Latin America with Wound Healing Activity: Ethnomedicine, Phytochemistry, Preclinical and Clinical Studies—A Review

Latin America is a multicultural region with ancient traditional medicine. There is extensive knowledge of the use of medicinal plants for wound healing in this region. Nevertheless, many of these medicinal plants lack pharmacological, toxicological, and chemical studies. This review focuses on the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological (preclinical and clinical) studies of medicinal plants with wound healing activity, from Latin America. An electronic database search was conducted by consulting scientific articles and books. A total of 305 plant species with wound healing activity were recorded, based on traditional medicine. Most medicinal plants used in wound healing in Latin America are topically administered; their methods of preparation are mainly by water infusion from aerial parts. Only thirty-five percent of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for wound healing have been experimentally validated for their pharmacological effects, and the wound healing activity of five medicinal plants has been studied in clinical trials. In all, 25 compounds (mostly terpenes and flavonoids) have been isolated from medicinal plants with wound healing activity; therefore, extensive work is necessary for a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the wound healing effects of medicinal plants in Latin America. The mechanism of action of medicinal plants, their toxicological actions on the skin, and their bioactive compounds, have yet to be investigated. This review on the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies, of medicinal plants from Latin America with wound healing activity, offers promising data for further studies, as well as providing new insights into their possible role in wound care.

Enhanced healing of oral chemical burn by inhibiting inflammatory factors with an oral administration of shengFu oil

ShengFu oil is a compounded Chinese medicinal prescription, and provides antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, favoring burn wound repair. In this study, we aimed at investigating the effects of topical applications of ShengFu oil and its active ingredients in oral chemical burns and elucidating its regulatory effects on β-catenin, COX-2, and MMP-9 expression caused by exposure to acid or alkaline agents. ShengFu oil contains 16 components, such as Frankincense, Radix Scutellariae and Radix Rehmanniae, and the main active ingredients from Frankincense are α-pinene, linalool, and n-octanol. Mouse models of oral chemical burns were induced by using glacial acetic acid or sodium hydroxide. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect the protein expressions of β-catenin, COX-2, and MMP-9 in wound tissues. They were further quantified by multispectral imaging analysis to clarify the effective mechanism of ShengFu oil for intervening inflammatory factors and active components. Our results indicated that the application of ShengFu oil on oral chemical burns effectively stopped the oral burn bleeding and reduced the inflammatory reaction in the damaged tissues, demonstrating that ShengFu oil can promote wound tissue repair in burns caused by heat, acids, and alkalis. The immunohistochemical staining results illustrated that ShengFu oil and its active ingredients significantly reversed the abnormal changes in inflammation-related proteins in mouse tongue tissues that were caused by chemical burns. Regarding long-term toxic effects of ShengFu oil on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidney system, the results of hematoxylin and eosin staining experiments depicted that ShengFu oil was safe and effective for liver, kidney, intestine, esophagus, and tongue. All of these demonstrated that ShengFu oil and its active ingredients are effective and safe in preventing and treating oral chemical burns by interfering with the inflammatory microenvironment.

Topical Administration of Carvacrol Improves Healing in Nasal Septal Perforation: An Experimental Animal Study

BACKGROUND

Clinicians are exploring alternative treatments for nasal septum perforation since surgical treatment is challenging.

OBJECTIVE

The effects of topical carvacrol on the healing of nasal septal perforation were investigated in an animal model.

METHOD

Twenty-one male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three equal groups. A 5-mm circular biopsy punch was used to perforate the nasal septum behind the columella. For 14 days, bilateral gelatin sponges impregnated with carvacrol in olive oil in group 1, and only olive oil in group 2 were placed. Perforation only was performed in the control group. Animals were then sacrificed, and their nasal septums were removed. The closure of the perforation was measured, and samples were examined histopathologically. MMP-9 reactivity was evaluated using the immunoperoxidase technique. Histopathologic parameters were scored as 0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = strong.

RESULTS

The septum perforation closure in the carvacrol group was statistically significant compared with the other groups (p < 0.001). Cartilage regeneration, connective tissue density, and MMP-9 immunoreactivity were significantly higher in the carvacrol group (p = 0.020, p = 0.009, and p = 0.008, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Topically administered carvacrol enhances wound healing in rabbit nasal septum perforation. It accelerated perforation closure by increasing cartilage regeneration, connective tissue, and MMP-9 expression.

Effects of the healing activity of rosemary-of-Chapada (Lippia gracilis Schauer) on cutaneous lesions in rats

Purpose:

To evaluate the effects of rosemary leaf essential oil-based ointments on the healing of rat skin lesions.

Methods:

Sixty adult male rats, with dorsal excisional skin wounds made surgically under anesthesia, were divided into three groups (n = 20): Sham group (untreated wounds); control group (CG, wounds treated with vehicle); and essential oil (EO) treated group (wounds treated with essential oil-based ointments), administered topically once daily. Skin wounds were evaluated at 4, 7, 14, and 21 days after EO or vehicle treatments. Lesions were analyzed macroscopically for the contraction degree. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of skin wounds were used for histopathological evaluation.

Results:

Macroscopic evaluation showed wounds edges with thin crust without firmness and yellowish color, along with an improvement in wound contraction in EO group when compared to the other groups. A reduced inflammatory reaction, along with newly formed small diameter capillaries and more organized and elongated collagen fibers, were more frequently observed in EO group than in the other groups. Moreover, blood vessel number and collagen fibers density were significantly higher in EO group.

Conclusions:

Skin lesion treatment with rosemary leaf essential oil-based ointments accelerates the initial stages of healing, reduces inflammation, and increases angiogenesis, collagen fibers density, and wound contraction in rats.

Evaluation of the analgesic potential and safety of Cinnamomum camphora chvar. Borneol essential oil

Cinnamomum camphora chvar. Borneol essential oil (BEO, 18.2% v/v borneol) is a by-product of steam distillation to produce natural crystalline borneol (NCB, 98.4% v/v borneol). Given the known medicinal properties of borneol, the analgesic function and safety were studied. Horn’s method and the Draize test revealed a gender difference in mice regarding acute oral LD₅₀, i.e., low-toxicity to female mice (2749 mg/kg), but practically nontoxic to male mice (5081 mg/kg). There was no acute and skin or eye irritation when BEO was applied directly, if the BEO concentration was less than 50%. The analgesic effect of BEO was evaluated by the glacial acetic acid-induced writhing pain model. Continuous topical application of BEO to the abdomen of mice for 6 d, significantly reduced observed writhing in mice (p < 0.001) with a strong dose-response relationship (r = −0.9006). Concomitantly, the levels of the serum pain-related mediators, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8) were significantly reduced (p < 0.001), and the latter showed a strong dose-response relationship (r = −0.9427). Therefore, BEO had similar analgesic functions to borneol and was demonstrated to be safe for medicinal use.

Topical Emulsion Containing Lavandula stoechas Essential Oil as a Therapeutic Agent for Cutaneous Wound Healing

Background and objectives: The present research was designed to evaluate the chemical composition of Lavandula stoechas essential oil (EOLS) as well as the in vivo wound-healing property. The chemical composition of EOLS was identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Nineteen compounds of EOLS were reported. Linalool was identified as the major chemical compound (24.87%), followed by linalyl acetate (19.10%). EOLS showed a high content of oxygenated compounds (63.54%). In vivo wound healing activity of the topical cream prepared from EOLS (0.5% w/w) was assessed using a circular excision wound model. The wound area (mm2) in all animal groups was estimated and measured on day 0, 4, 8, 11, and 16. Results: The EOLS formulation cream (0.5% v/w) showed the highest effect on wound models when compared to reference Madecassol® (Asiaticoside). On days 4, 11, and 16, wound contractions were 26.4%, 78%, and 96.3% for the EOLS-treated group, and 8.5%, 64.1%, and 86.1% for the vehicle cream-treated group. Animals treated with EOLS cream showed a significant decrease in the epithelization period, wound area, and scar thickness, whereas the rate of wound contraction significantly increased. This is the first such report to be published. Histological analyses were also consistent with the results of the excision experimental method. Treatment with EOLS cream formulation resulted in decreased inflammation and an increased rate of tissue perfusion and proliferation as well as remodeling, along with re-epithelization. Conclusions: Our results support the use of EOLS in the development of pharmaceuticals for the management of wounds, and/or inflammatory-related diseases. Additional studies are needed to elucidate and explain the exact mechanism of its pharmacological activity.

Nanotechnology Development for Formulating Essential Oils in Wound Dressing Materials to Promote the Wound-Healing Process: A Review

Wound healing refers to the replacement of damaged tissue through strongly coordinated cellular events. The patient’s condition and different types of wounds complicate the already intricate healing process. Conventional wound dressing materials seem to be insufficient to facilitate and support this mechanism. Nanotechnology could provide the physicochemical properties and specific biological responses needed to promote the healing process. For nanoparticulate dressing design, growing interest has focused on natural biopolymers due to their biocompatibility and good adaptability to technological needs. Polysaccharides are the most common natural biopolymers used for wound-healing materials. In particular, alginate and chitosan polymers exhibit intrinsic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, useful for guaranteeing efficient treatment. Recent studies highlight that several natural plant-derived molecules can influence healing stages. In particular, essential oils show excellent antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that can be amplified by combining them with nanotechnological strategies. This review summarizes recent studies concerning essential oils as active secondary compounds in polysaccharide-based wound dressings.

Using the plants of Brazilian Cerrado for wound healing: From traditional use to scientific approach

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Brazilian Cerrado is a biome with a remarkable diversity of plant species, many of which are used mainly by local communities as a source of treatment to several pathologic processes, especially for the treatment of wounds. However, no systematic review exists focusing on the plants used in this respect and on the appropriate pharmacological investigations that substantiate the actions that are reported. This study revisits the traditional use of medicinal plants from the Brazilian Cerrado in the treatment of wounds and the pharmacological characteristics of the reported plant species.

METHOD

ology: For the present article, previous studies on plants of the Brazilian Cerrado used for wound healing carried out between 1996 and 2018 were researched on various academic databases (PubMed, Elsevier, Springer, Lilacs, Google Escolar, and Scielo).

RESULTS

A total of 33 studies were carried out on 29 plant species distributed into 18 families, mainly Fabaceae or Leguminosae (9), Bignoniaceae (2), Asteraceae (2), Euphorbiaceae (2). Considering the great diversity of Cerrado plants, only a small number of wound healing studies were carried out between 1996 and 2018. It was observed that there is a large gap between experimentation assay and traditional use. There are only few connections between the form of use by the population and the experiments conducted in the laboratory. We found that only about 12% of these studies considered to use the methodologies, or at least in parts, to obtain extracts such as those used in folk medicine. Approximately 37% of the experiments were performed using the bark as well as the same ratio for leaves, 6% using the fruits, and 9% using the seeds, roots or flowers. In several studies, there are reports of chemical constituents such as flavonoids and tannins, followed by steroid terpenes, saponins, and fatty acids, and alkaloids. However, approximately 35% of the studies did not supply information about compounds present in the preparation or the effect which could be attributed to these agents in respect to wound healing. Regarding treatment, most of the studies employed a topical treatment, though intraperitoneal and oral treatment were also described using either topical, oil-based formulations, but also gel- or saline-based formulations.

CONCLUSIONS

Although, there has been an increase in knowledge about the biological actions of plants from Cerrado biome, the scientific basis for the traditional use of these local medicinal plants in wound healing does not provide sufficient information on the efficacy of the treatment, the molecular mechanisms, or, in particular, the effective doses used and the drug interactions. Thus, focused research investigating these hypotheses from traditional knowledge is necessary to prove the evidence of the potential pharmacological action.

Topical administration of hydroethanolic extract of Trifolium pratense (red clover) accelerates wound healing by apoptosis and re-epithelialization

We investigated the wound healing effects of an ointment prepared from a hydroethanolic extract of Trifolium pratense (red clover) in Wistar rats. An animal model was prepared by making 314 mm² full thickness skin excisions in all animals. Rats were divided into four experimental groups. Group 1 was a non-intervention control. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated topically with ointments containing 1.5, 3.0 and 6% (w/v) T. pretense extract, respectively. We evaluated the effects of these ointments by histological analysis of collagen production, epidermis thickness, fibroblast distribution and wound contraction ratio, and also by estimating expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and p53. Collagen production, epidermis thickness, fibroblast distribution and wound contraction ratio were significantly increased in groups 2 - 4 compared to group 1. Groups 2 - 4 also exhibited significantly increased levels of Bcl-2 mRNA and reduced mRNA levels of Bax and p53 compared to group 1. Groups 2 - 4 exhibited accelerated healing by up-regulating Bcl-2 expression, reducing p53 and Bax levels, and by promoting the proliferative phase of healing. We suggest that a hydroethanolic extract of T. pratense in commercial ointments may be useful for promoting wound healing.

From Inflammation to Cutaneous Repair: Topical Application of Lupeol Improves Skin Wound Healing in Rats by Modulating the Cytokine Levels, NF-κB, Ki-67, Growth Factor Expression, and Distribution of Collagen Fibers

Skin wound healing is a highly complex event that involves different mediators at the cellular and molecular level. Lupeol has been reported to possess different biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and in vitro wound healing properties, which motivated us to proceed with in vivo studies. We aimed to investigate the wound healing effect of lupeol-based cream for 3, 7, and 14 days. Wound excisions were induced on the thoraco-lumbar region of rats and topically treated immediately after injury induction. Macroscopic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Cytokine levels were measured by ELISA and gene expression was evaluated by real-time RT-qPCR. Our results showed a strong wound-healing effect of lupeol-based cream after 7 and 14 days. Lupeol treatment caused a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1β, and IL-6) and gene and protein NF-κB expression, and positively altered IL-10 levels, showing anti-inflammatory effects in the three treatment periods. Lupeol treatment showed involvement in the proliferative phase by stimulating the formation of new blood vessels, increasing the immunostaining of Ki-67 and gene expression, and immunolabeling of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), and increasing gene expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) after seven days of treatment. Lupeol was also involved in the tissue regeneration phase by increasing the synthesis of collagen fibers noted in the three treatment periods analyzed. Our findings suggest that lupeol may serve as a novel therapeutic option to treat cutaneous wounds by regulating mechanisms involved in the inflammatory, proliferative, and tissue-remodeling phases.

Eprinomectin nanoemulgel for transdermal delivery against endoparasites and ectoparasites: preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Nanoemulgels are composed of O/W nanoemulsion and hydrogels and are considered as ideal carriers for the transdermal drug delivery because these have high affinity to load hydrophobic drugs. The stable formulation of eprinomectin (EPR) is very challenging because of it is high hydrophobic nature. In this work, we have prepared EPR loaded nanoemulgel for the treatment of endo- and ectoparasites. The surface morphology of optimized formulations was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, skin permeability and irritation tests were conducted for in vitro safety and in vivo skin retention and pearmeation test of EPR nanoemulgel were conducted for efficacy study. Obtained results indicated that the optimized formulation had good shear-thinning behavior, bioadhesiveness properties, and are nanosized droplets with porous internal structure, which are required for topical application. Furthermore, this formulation has showed good skin permeability in comparison to suspension and has no skin irritating property. Overall, the obtained results proved that nanoemulgel is a promising carrier for transdermal drug delivery and EPR nanoemulgel is a promising formulation for the treatment of endo- and ectoparasites.

Wound healing and antimicrobial effect of active secondary metabolites in chitosan-based wound dressings: A review

Wound healing can lead to complex clinical problems, hence finding an efficient approach to enhance the healing process is necessary. An ideal wound dressing should treat wounds at reasonable costs, with minimal inconveniences for the patient. Chitosan is one of the most investigated biopolymers for wound healing applications due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and antimicrobial activity. Moreover, chitosan and its derivative have attracted numerous attentions because of the accelerating wound healing, and easy processability into different forms (gels, foams, membranes, and beads). All these properties make chitosan-based materials particularly versatile and promising for wound dressings. Besides, secondary natural metabolites could potentially act like the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents and accelerate the healing process. This review collected almost all studies regarding natural compounds applications in wound healing by focusing on the chitosan-based bioactive wound dressing systems. An accurate analysis of different chitosan formulations and the influence of bioactive compounds on their wound healing properties are reported.

Lupeol, a Dietary Triterpene, Enhances Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemic Rats with Modulatory Effects on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Angiogenesis

Impaired wound healing is a debilitating complication of diabetes that leads to significant morbidity, particularly foot ulcers. Natural products have shown to be effective in treating skin wounds. Lupeol is known to stimulate angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and expressions of cytokines and growth factors involved in wound healing. The study is performed to evaluate the wound healing activity of lupeol in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats by macroscopical, histological, immunohistochemical, immunoenzymatic, and molecular methods. Percentage of wound closure and contraction was increased in the lupeol-treated group when compared to the Lanette group. Histopathological observation revealed decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and increased proliferation of fibroblasts, vascularization, and deposition of collagen fibers after lupeol treatment. Immunohistochemical analyses showed decreased intensity of NF-κB and increased intensity of FGF-2, TGF-β1, and collagen III. ELISA results revealed downregulated IL-6 levels and upregulated IL-10 levels in response to lupeol. The mRNA expression levels of Hif-1α, Sod-2, and Ho-1 were significantly increased in response to lupeol as compared to Lanette whereas Nf-κb and Vegf-A levels were decreased in relation to insulin and lupeol treatment. These findings indicate that lupeol possesses wound healing potential in hyperglycemic conditions and may be useful as a treatment for chronic wounds in diabetic patients.

Effects of Carvacrol, Thymol and essential oils containing such monoterpenes on wound healing: a systematic review

Objectives

The treatment of wounds accounts for a considerable fraction of health expenses as well as serious socioeconomic problems. The use of natural substances stands out as a source of new therapeutic discoveries for the wound healing. Thus, this review compiled scientific findings on the applicability of carvacrol and thymol, or essential oils containing at least one of these compounds, for the treatment of wounds.

Methods

This review was performed at PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science databases using keywords as wound healing, thymol/carvacrol and essential oils. Thirteen studies were selected for discussion.

Key findings

Thymol/carvacrol was able to act in the three phases of wound healing. In the first phase, they showed modulatory effect of the inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and antimicrobial power. In the second phase, they promoted re-epithelialization, angiogenesis and development of granulation tissue. Finally, in the third phase, they improve the collagen deposition and modulated the growth of fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

Conclusions

These compounds present a high potential for the development of new therapeutic for wound repair. However, dose, efficacy and safety of these compounds for the treatment of wounds, as well as the mechanisms by which those effects can be observed, are challenges for future studies.

Shengfu Oil Enhances the Healing of Full-Thickness Scalded Skin Accompanying the Differential Regulation of β-Catenin, Dlk1, and COX-2

Shengfu oil is a traditional Chinese medicine formula containing 16 ingredients, including Scutellariae radix, Olibanum, and Rehmanniae radix. In this study, we aimed to enhance the wound healing of rabbit full-thickness scalded skin by Shengfu oil and to elucidate its regulatory effects on β-catenin, Dlk1, and COX-2. We found that Shengfu oil exhibited significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial activities. The structure of wound tissues in Shengfu oil group was intact, including regenerated cutaneous appendages, indicating better healing capability of Shengfu oil compared to the controls. The protein expression of β-catenin, Dlk1, and COX-2 in wound tissues were investigated by immunohistochemistry staining and were further quantitated with the use of multispectral imaging analysis. The protein expression of β-catenin and Dlk1 in the Shengfu oil group was higher than that in the sesame oil group in early wound repair, accompanied by the lower expression of COX-2; the protein expression of β-catenin decreased in the middle of wound healing; the protein expression of β-catenin and Dlk1 increased at the end of wound healing. These results strongly suggest that Shengfu oil can enhance wound healing by regulating the expression of β-catenin, Dlk1, and COX-2 due to its excellent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial activities.

Antiparasitic activity, histopathology and physiology of Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui) exposed to the essential oil of Lippia sidoides (Verbenaceae)

In vivo and in vitro antiparasitic activity of the essential oil of Lippia sidoides and blood and histological alterations were assessed in Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui). Essential oil concentrations of 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320mg/L were assayed in vitro against monogenoideans Anacanthorus spathulatus, Notozothecium janauachensis and Mymarothecium boegeri from fish gills. Lippia sidoides essential oil concentrations of 320 and 160mg/L were 100% effective against monogenoideans in 10min and 1h of exposure, respectively. However, the effectiveness of 100% concentrations of 80mg/L and 40mg/L occurred in 3 and 6h, respectively. In the in vivo tests, juvenile fish were submitted to 60min of baths with 10mg/L and 15min of baths with 20mg/L of the essential oil of L. sidoides. These therapeutic baths were not efficient against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, and monogenoideans present in the gills of C. macropomum. In addition, 10 and 20mg/L of the essential oil of L. sidoides caused an anesthetic effect on the fish and did not influence total glucose and protein plasma levels; however, it decreased the number of total erythrocytes in fish exposed to the higher concentration of this essential oil. Severe alterations and irreversible damage were observed in the fish gills just after L. sidoides essential oil baths and after 24h of recovery. The most recurrent lesions found were hyperplasia and fusion of the lamellar epithelium, vasodilation, detachment of the gill epithelium and lamellar aneurism, epithelial breakdown with hemorrhage, congestion, edema and necrosis, proliferation of the mucous cells and chloride cells and lamellar hypertrophy. Therefore, since the essential oil of L. sidoides has in vitro antiparasitic activity and low concentrations of it have shown toxic effects, the bioactive potential of its main chemical components should be investigated, as well as more efficient forms of its administration in therapeutic baths in order to eliminate fish parasites.

Atividade antisséptica do óleo essencial de Lippia origanoides Cham. (Alecrim-pimenta) na presença de leite bovino

Resumo: Objetivou-se determinar atividade antisséptica do óleo essencial de Lippia origanoides na presença de leite bovino. A composição química do óleo essencial de alecrim pimenta foi determinada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG-EM), sendo detectados 53 compostos, dos quais 16 foram identificados (>0,1% área total). O carvacrol (32,7%), p-cimeno (23%), timilmetil éter, cariofileno (7,98%) e o γ-terpineno (5,40%) foram os componentes mais abundantes. A concentração inibitória mínima para Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 e E. coli ATCC 8739 foi de 60μL/mL, enquanto para Salmonella Choleraesuis ATCC 35640 foi de 90μL/mL. A concentração bactericida mínima foi de 120μL/mL para as três bactérias. Avaliou-se a atividade antisséptica do óleo essencial na concentração de 120μL/mL na presença de leite bovino sobre as mesmas cepas bacterianas. O óleo em estudo apresentou efeito inibitório do crescimento das cepas em diferentes tempos de ação (p<0,05). S. aureus apresentou maiores índices de inibição após 5 min de contato e Escherichia coli e Salmonella Choleraesuis após 15 min. O óleo essencial de alecrim-pimenta revelou ser um potencial antimicrobiano natural, mesmo na presença de matéria orgânica constituída de uma matriz nutricional complexa que é o leite bovino.

Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF-β in a rat model

Background

Although previous studies have suggested that lavender oil promote wound healing, no study has examined the molecular mechanisms of its effect. In this study, we investigated the effect of lavender oil on various steps of wound healing and its molecular mechanism, focusing on transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β).

Methods

Circular full-thickness skin wounds were produced on rats. Control solution or lavender oil was topically applied to the wounds on alternating days for 14 days.

Results

The area of wounds topically treated with lavender oil was significantly decreased as compared to that of wounds of control rats at 4, 6, 8, and 10 days after wounding. Topical application of lavender oil induced expression of type I and III collagen at 4 days after wounding, accompanied by an increased number of fibroblasts, which synthesize collagen. Induced expression of type III collagen by topical application of lavender oil was reduced to control level at 7 days after wounding although increased expression of type I collagen still continued even at 7 days, suggesting rapid collagen replacement from type III to type I in wounds treated with lavender oil. Importantly, expression of TGF-β in wounds treated with lavender oil was significantly increased as compared to control. Moreover, an increased number of myofibroblasts was observed in wounds treated with lavender oil at 4 days after wounding, suggesting promotion of differentiation of fibroblasts through induction of TGF-β, which is needed for wound contraction.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that topical application of lavender oil promoted collagen synthesis and differentiation of fibroblasts, accompanied by up-regulation of TGF-β. These data suggest that lavender oil has the potential to promote wound healing in the early phase by acceleration of formation of granulation tissue, tissue remodeling by collagen replacement and wound contraction through up-regulation of TGF-β. The beneficial effect of lavender oil on wound healing may raise the possibility of new approaches as complementary treatment besides conventional therapy.

General Characteristics, Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy of Lippia sidoides

Lippia sidoides Cham. is a plant that belongs to the family Verbenaceae and is commonly known as “alecrim-pimenta”. It was first found in northeastern Brazil, where it is extensively used in traditional medicine. Many studies have been made with the essential oil of L. sidoides, which has a high content of the isomeric compounds thymol and carvacrol. L. sidoides extracts, and particularly the essential oil extracted from its aerial parts, have shown many biological activities such as antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal. Given the great biological potentialities of L. sidoides and the amount of recent studies about this plant, the present study aimed to make a survey of its general attributes, cultivation methods, chemical characterization of its extracts and essential oil, as well as its different biological activities.