Abstract
Shiunko ointment is composed of five ingredients including Lithospermi Radix (LR), Angelicae Gigantis Radix, sesame seed oil, beeswax, and swine oil. It is externally applied as a treatment for a wide range of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, burns, topical wounds, and atopic dermatitis. Deoxyshikonin is the major angiogenic compound extracted from LR. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of LR extract and deoxyshikonin on impaired wound healing in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Treatment with LR extract elevated tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and exerted antioxidant activity. An open skin wound was produced on the backs of diabetic mice and was then topically treated with deoxyshikonin or vehicle. In addition, deoxyshikonin promoted tube formation in high glucose conditions exposed to HUVECs, and which may be regulated by increased VEGFR2 expression and phosphorylation of Akt and p38. Our results demonstrate that deoxyshikonin application promoted wound repair in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Collectively, these data suggest that deoxyshikonin is an active ingredient of LR, thereby contributing to wound healing in patients with diabetes.
Highlights
Restoring blood flow to the injured tissue is a pivotal step toward successful repair of skin defects [1]
Normal wound healing processes consist of sequential stages such as cell migration and proliferation, and induction of an extracellular matrix
We first examined the effect of Lithospermi Radix (LR) extract on angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)
Summary
Restoring blood flow to the injured tissue is a pivotal step toward successful repair of skin defects [1]. Vasculogenesis and angiogenesis are the two major processes responsible for new blood vessel development [2,3]. Vasculogenesis is described as the in situ formation of blood vessels from endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) or angioblasts [4]. Reduced cell counts and impaired functioning of EPCs have been described in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes [7,8,9]. Prolonged inflammation and increased oxidative stress impair healing in patients with diabetes [12]. Heme oxygenase-1 promotes wound closure by augmenting anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and angiogenesis in rats with diabetes [14]. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin resulted in faster and improved wound healing in rats with diabetes [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
