Topical Binahong (Anredera cordifolia) Leaf Extract Increases Interleukin-6 and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) during Burn Wound Healing in Wistar Rats Infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Burn injuries still remain a major problem. It leads to nosocomial infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the most common bacteria that infects burn injuries, due to its long duration of hospitalization. Previous research found that the extract of Anredera cordifolia, locally known as “binahong” in Indonesia, is effective in burns healing. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and VEGF are substances that are important in healing process. This study aims to determine how topical Anredera cordifolia leaf extract accelerates burn wound healing, increases IL-6 level, and increases VEGF production in rats with Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected burn injuries. This is an experimental study with the Posttest Only Control Group Design, involving a total of 32 samples of wistar rats with infected burn wounds. The treatment group received 2 ml of the topical extract of Anredera Cordifolia leaf while the control group received 2 ml of topical tetracycline 3%. The analysis of plasma IL-6 level was done on day 3, the VEGF analysis was done on day 5, and the observation of wound closure was done on days 3, 5, and 7. Independent t-Test was performed to obtain the mean difference of IL-6 and VEGF in control and treatment groups. The treatment group was found to have faster wound healing. Plasma IL-6 and VEGF in the treatment group was significantly higher than those in the control group (IL-6 p 5 0.001, and VEGF p 5 0.001). The application of topical Anredera cordifolia leaf extract accelerates burn wound healing, increases IL-6 level, and increases VEGF production in burns infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.