Skin Breaking Strength Research Articles

Evaluation of Incisional Diabetic Wound Healing Activity of Ethanolic Leave Extract of Mimosa pudica L. in Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a fast growing epidemic throughout the world. India is going to become the capital of DM. DM patients are at greater risk of serious infective foot ulcer or wound. The diabetic wound may be associated with late healing and septic manifestation and finally reach to limb amputation which is an overpriced incident. The herbal products are more precious in both prophylaxis as well as curative in delayed diabetic wound healing activity when compare to synthetic drugs. The present study was carried out to evaluate the diabetic incisional wound healing activity of ethanolic leave extract of Mimosa pudica L. (EMP) in Streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p.) induced diabetic rats. A wound of 1cm incision was made on ventral side of diabetic male albino wistar rats. The two different doses (2.5% and 5%) of EMP are applied on wound b.i.d for 11 days. The initial and final fasting serum glucose levels were estimated to confirm the disease state. The breaking strength and histopathological studies of incisional healed skin was estimated. The EMP 2.5 % and EMP 5% have shown significant (p>0.01) increase in wound breaking strength as well as well epithelialization compared to diabetic control group.

Effects of Resin and Essential Oil from Commiphora myrrha Engl. on Wound Healing

The oleo-gum-resin of Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl (syn. Commiphora molmol (Engl.) Engl. ex Tschirch) is used in the Ethiopian folkloric medicine for wound management. The present study was aimed at evaluating the wound healing properties of the essential oil and resin of C. myrrha using in vivo and in vitro models. Ointments of the essential oil 4% (v/w) and resin 5% (w/w) were applied topically to study wound healing property, and their toxicity was assessed according to Draize skin irritation test. Agar diffusion and micro-dilution methods were used to evaluate antimicrobial activity. Thirty-seven components, representing 97.48% of the total essential oil, were identified by GC–MS analysis, with furanoeudesma-1,3-diene (26.09%), isofuranodiene (18.23%) and curzerene (16.52%) as the major constituents. The ointments were found to be non-irritant at the concentrations used, but they exhibited significant (p < 0.05-0.001) wound healing effect as evidenced by increased wound contraction rate, shorter epithelization time and higher skin breaking strength as compared to the control. Both the oil and resin showed potent antibacterial activity, comparable with that of ciprofloxacin against some Gram-negative bacterial strains. However, the fungal pathogens tested showed limited susceptibility. The results demonstrated that the essential oil and resin of C. myrrha enhance wound healing, in part or in full, due to their antimicrobial effects, supporting the traditional use of this plant as a wound healing agent. Keywords : Commiphora myrrha ; antibacterial; antifungal; wound healing; oleo-gum-resin

In silico and in vivo wound healing studies of ursolic acid isolated from Clematis gouriana against GSK-3 beta

Abstract. Naika HR, Bhavana S, Teixeira da Silva JA, Lingaraju K, Mohan VC, Krishna V. 2016. In silico and in vivo wound healing studies of ursolic acid isolated from Clematis gouriana against GSK-3 beta. Nusantara Bioscience 8: 232-244. Clematis gouriana Roxb. (Ranunculaceae) is an endemic medicinal plant of Western Ghats. Ursolic acid (UA) was isolated from the methanolic extract (ME), which was characterized by spectral studies, and was subjected to in silico studies on Glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK3-β) protein, to inhibit protein function. UA showed least binding energy (-13.457 ΔG) towards the binding site and molecular dynamics studies showed minimum potential energy and greater stability with target protein. Thus, UA may be considered as a potential inhibitor of the GSK3-β protein. The wound-healing activity was assessed by excision, incision, and dead space wound models on Wistar strain rats. The results of excision, incision, and dead space wound models showed significant activity. There was a significant increase in skin-breaking strength in rats treated with UA (562.36 ± 7.60 g). The effects of ME and UA on the dead space wound model were pronounced, with a significant increase in the weight of granulation tissue (26.33 ± 0.25 mg), tensile strength (647.00 ± 0.71 g), and hydroxyproline content (1793.83 ± 0.64 µg/100 g). Thus, UA-treated animals showed excellent wound-healing activity. Animals treated with nitrofurazone, ME and UA showed increased collagenation and decreased accumulation of macrophages at the site of injury.

HEALING POTENTIAL OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF BARRINGTONIA ACUTANGULA FRUIT IN INFECTED WOUNDS

The wound healing effect of methanolic extract of Barringtonia acutangula fruits (MEBA) in infected wound model was studied in wistar rats. Two models were used to evaluate the wound healing activity i.e. infected excision and infected incision model. The wound area was infected with a loop full of inoculums of mixed microorganisms comprising of Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. In incision model the breaking strength of the wounded skin was evaluated. In excision model the percentage wound contraction and period of epithelialization were evaluated. Reference standard drug was Povidone iodine ointment. The results indicate that the methanolic extract of Barringtonia acutangula fruits (MEBA) at 20% w/w produced significant wound healing activity in presence of infection.

Dermal wound healing potency of single alkaloid (betaine) versus standardized crude alkaloid enriched-ointment of Evolvulus alsinoides

Context: Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. (Convolvulaceae), well known as shankhpushpi in Ayurvedic text, is traditionally used for several healing purposes.Objective: A comparative evaluation of dermal wound healing potential of acidic and basic alkaloid enriched-ointment (AAO and BAO) of aerial parts of E. alsinoides versus pure alkaloid, betaine (BEO), was undertaken.Material and methods: The effect of topical application (50 mg/animal/day) of AAO-1%, AAO-2%, BAO-1%, BAO-2%, BEO-0.5% and BEO-1% was assessed through excision (14 days) and incision (10 days) models on rats. The percentage wound contraction, total protein content, and breaking strengths were determined followed by histopathological studies.Results and discussion: The total alkaloid in acidic and basic alkaloid enriched fractions was found to be 0.1114 and 0.1134 μg/mL, respectively. Thus, 0.1528, 0.3056, 0.1380 and 0.2459 μg of total alkaloid were estimated to be present in AAO-1%, AAO-2%, BAO-1% and BAO-2%, respectively. AAO and BAO promoted wound healing activity significantly in both the models. Higher rate of wound contraction (p < 0.001) with significant increase in protein content in the treatment groups (from 2.32 to 2.55) demonstrated stimulation of cellular proliferation and epithelization, which was further supported by histopathological reports. High skin breaking strength (mean value 393 in control was increased to the range of 535–572 in treated groups) proved a significant (p < 0.001) wound healing potential of E. alsinoides. Early dermal and epidermal regeneration in drug-treated groups also confirmed the positive effect.Conclusion: Observation of higher healing power of alkaloid enriched-ointment compared with single alkaloid ointment corroborated the synergy mechanism.

Evaluation of wound healing, antioxidant and antimicrobial efficacy of Jasminum auriculatum Vahl. leaves.

To validate the ethno-therapeutic claim of the traditionally used plant Jasminum auriculatum (J. auriculatum) in skin diseases, by evaluating its wound healing potential along with its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties; so as to understand their role in wound healing. Excision and incision wound models were used to evaluate the wound healing activity on albino rats. The wound healing potential was assessed by measuring rate of wound contraction, epithelialization period, hydroxyproline content, skin breaking strength and histopathological parameters. Reference standard drug was Nitrofurazone ointment. The antioxidant activity was determined using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The antimicrobial activity was determined by agar well diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration by serial dilution method. Higher rate of wound contraction (83.66±0.50% on 15th day), decrease in the period of epithelialization (17.83±1.6days), higher skin breaking strength (170.71±1.52g), higher collagen content and favourable histopathological changes revealed that topical application of ointment containing successive ethanolic extract (S.E.E) of J. auriculatum leaves has the most potent wound healing ability compared to control group in both the models studied. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of successive ethanolic extract was found to be 33.39µg/ml. Successive ethanolic extract was found to be most effective against Pseudomonas auregenosa having a zone of inhibition 16.65±0.6mm and the minimum inhibitory concentration was 0.78mg/ml. The data of this study indicate that successive ethanolic extract of the leaves exhibit potent wound healing, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This justifies the ethno-medicinal use of plant for the treatment of wound and microbial infections.

Wound Healing Activity of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Barleria Noctiflora in Experimentally Induced Diabetic Rats

Purpose: To evaluate the wound healing activity of ethyl acetate fraction of Barleria noctiflora against the STZ induced diabetic rats. Approach: The ethyl acetate fraction of Barleria noctiflora (EAFBN) was evaluated for its wound healing activity in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats using excision and incision wound models. In case of excision wound model, parameters like wound contraction and period of epithelialization was studied, while in incision wound model, tensile strength of the wound was measured. In incision and excision models, treatment with ointment containing 10% w/w and 5% w/w of EAFBN was done. Findings: Findings: The excision wound area exhibited significant (P<0.01) closure of EAFBN 5% w/w and 10% w/w treated animals showed 96.6% and 95.8%, complete epithelialization was observed in same day of EAFBN (10% w/w) and standard drug. In the incision wound model treated with the topical application of EAFBN 5% w/w treated animals skin breaking strength was 290.83±3.0, EAFBN (10% w/w) and standard drug have shown more or less same significant skin breaking strength (342.5 ± 3.81 and 350 ± 2.88). Originality: The current study is the first time evaluation of the wound healing activity of Barleria noctiflora ethyl acetate fraction on STZ induced diabetes in rat. The characterization and isolation of the dynamic principle of new compound require broad research in the future. Conclusion: The outcome of present study indicates the usage of ethyl acetate fraction of Barleria noctiflora in the management of wound healing especially in diabetes.

Pharmacological Investigation of the Wound Healing Activity of Cestrum nocturnum (L.) Ointment in Wistar Albino Rats.

Objectives. The present study was aimed at investigating the wound healing effect of ethanolic extract of Cestrum nocturnum (L.) leaves (EECN) using excision and incision wound model. Methods. Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups each consisting of six animals; group I (left untreated) considered as control, group II (ointment base treated) considered as negative control, group III treated with 5% (w/w) povidone iodine ointment (Intadine USP), which served as standard, group IV treated with EECN 2% (w/w) ointment, and group V treated with EECN 5% (w/w) ointment were considered as test groups. All the treatments were given once daily. The wound healing effect was assessed by percentage wound contraction, epithelialization period, and histoarchitecture studies in excision wound model while breaking strength and hydroxyproline content in the incision wound model. Result. Different concentration of EECN (2% and 5% w/w) ointment promoted the wound healing activity significantly in both the models studied. The high rate of wound contraction (P < 0.001), decrease in the period for epithelialization (P < 0.01), high skin breaking strength (P < 0.001), and elevated hydroxyproline content were observed in animal treated with EECN ointments when compared to the control and negative control group of animals. Histopathological studies of the EECN ointments treated groups also revealed the effectiveness in improved wound healing. Conclusions. Ethanolic extract of Cestrum nocturnum (EECN) leaves possesses a concentration dependent wound healing effect.

Evaluation of the wound healing property of Commiphora guidottii Chiov. ex. Guid.

BackgroundThe traditional use of the oleo-gum-resin of Commiphora guidottii Chiov. ex. Guid., which is commonly called scented myrrh, for topical treatment of wound is well documented. The major objective of the present study was to investigate the essential oil and resin obtained from C. guidottii for their potential wound healing properties. Due to their influence on the wound healing process, the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of scented myrrh have also been investigated.MethodsPowdered oleo-gum-resin of C. guidottii was steam-distilled to obtain essential oil, and the resin was extracted from the marc with MeOH and filtered. The TLC fingerprint profile of the resin has been recorded by using silica gel GF254 as stationary phase. The essential oil components were identified and quantified by GC-MS. Ointments prepared from the essential oil (4 % v/w) and the resin (5 % w/w) were used for wound healing activity tests. Toxicity of the formulated ointments was investigated according to Draize skin irritation test. Acute anti-inflammatory effect in mice was evaluated using carrageenan induced mouse hind paw oedema model. Antimicrobial activity tests were carried out using disk diffusion and broth dilution techniques against 21 pathogenic bacterial and 4 fungal strains.ResultsOintment formulations of both the oil and resin were found to be non-irritant at the concentrations used and showed significant (p < 0.05-0.001) increase in wound contraction rate, shorter epithelization time and higher skin breaking strength as compared to the negative control. Overall, the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the oil and resin were comparable with the standard antibiotics ciprofloxacin and griseofulvin, respectively.ConclusionThe results confirm that scented myrrh possesses genuine wound healing activity supporting the traditional use of the plant.

Evaluation of wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica leaves on incision and excision wound models in Wister albino rats

Background: Wound healing is complex cellular and biochemical cascade that lead to restitution of integrity and function. Recently, the traditional use of plants for wound healing has received attention by the scientific community, as traditional medicine is a source of less expensive, comprehensive medical care, especially in developing countries. Azadirachta indica (Neem) is well-known in India, as one of the most versatile medicinal plants having a wide spectrum of biological activity. Hence, this study was undertaken to evaluate the wound healing activity of the ethanolic extract of A. indica leaf in the experimentally-induced wound in rats. Methods: The healing effect produced by A. indica extract was assessed by the rate of wound contraction histopathology and skin breaking strength by using excision wound model and incision wound model in Wister albino rats. This was compared with control (soft white paraffin) and standard (1% w/w framycetin sulfate ointment). The results have been analyzed by calculating the mean values, standard deviation and compared by using student t-test. Results: The ethanol extract of leaves of A. indica significantly promoted the wound healing activity in both excision and incision wound models. Conclusion: The study revealed promising wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of A. indica and provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use in the management of wounds.

Potential of methanolic extract of leaves ofHamiltonia suaveolensRoxb as the wound healer in rat

Wound healing activity of methanolic extract of leaves of Hamiltonia suaveolens Roxb was assessed by using excision, incision and dead space wound model in Wistar rat. The animals were divided into five groups (n=6) and labeled as control; placebo; standard and experimental groups. Ointment of the methanolic extract at a dose 2.5% and 5% w/w were prepared and applied topically. The healing of the wound was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelialization, skin breaking strength, biochemical profile and histopathology of granuloma tissue and Wound Image Analysis Software – WITA used for the first time. Animals were treated with the methanolic extract at a dose 5% exhibited 98.04% reduction in wound area 20th day, compared to control (93.82%). In incision wound model, tensile strength of healing tissue after treatment was found to be significantly higher compared to control group. The hydroxyproline (108.7 mg/g of tissue), ascorbic acid (50.69 mg/g of tissue) and glucosamine (33.22 mg/g of tissue) content from the wound area found significantly increased in treated animals at 5% concentration of methanolic extract as compared to control group of animals. Histological analysis revealed swift restoration of wound healing.

Effect of dehydroabietylamine in angiogenesis and GSK3-β inhibition during wound healing activity in rats

The present research evaluates the wound healing capacity of dehydroabietylamine, a diterpenoid isolated from methanolic leaves extract of Carthamus tinctorius L. (Asteraceae). The wound healing activity was screened by excision, incision, and dead space wound models on albino rats and for the angiogenic property using chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Significant increase in wound contraction rate, skin breaking strength, granuloma strength, and dry granuloma weights was observed as compared to control. The pro-healing action may be due to increasing in collagen deposition as well better alignment and maturation. In CAM assay, the dehydroabietylamine showed increased angiogenic zone formation in the developing embryos compared to normal embryos and evidenced pro-angiogenic activity of the active constituent. Further, in silico comparative docking of dehydroabietylamine, standard drug nitrofurazone and positive control CHIR_98014 to ATP-binding active pocket of glycogen synthase kinase3-β (GSK3-β) protein that consisted of Tyr216 as a catalytic residue, with residues Asn64, Gly65, Ser66, Phe67, Gly68, Val70, Lys85, Leu132, Val135, Asp181, Lys183, Gln185, Asn186, and Asp200 in the active pocket docked with dehydroabietylamine at the torsional degree of freedom 0.5 U with Lamarckian genetic algorithm showed the inhibition constant of 315.6 × 10−9. But the inhibition constant of nitrofurazone and CHIR_98014 was 34.76 × 10−6 and 4.64 × 10−6 respectively. Docking of dehydroabietylamine to GSK3-β protein involved in Wnt signaling pathway supported the research on wound healing property. The above said studies explore the role of dehydroabietylamine in wound healing activity.

Molecular docking and dynamic studies of bioactive compounds from Naravelia zeylanica (L.) DC against glycogen synthase kinase-3β protein

Bioactive phytochemicals are a rich source of chemopreventive substances. The bioactive constituents of Naravelia zeylanica (L.) DC were extracted and isolated from the leaves, and two sterol compounds, taraxerol and β-sitosterol, were characterized spectroscopically. The compounds were screened for inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) protein, a wound-healing biomarker, by molecular docking and dynamic studies. Taraxerol may be a potent inhibitor of GSK-3β because it exhibited minimum binding (−12.59kJmol−1) and docking (−11.25kJmol−1) energy. Molecular dynamics studies revealed that taraxerol had minimum potential energy with the target protein. Wound-healing was studied in experimental rats in vivo. Taraxerol was efficient, with a mean time of epithelialization of 18.28±1.17 days in the excision wound model. In the incision wound model, it had significant activity, with a skin-breaking strength of 562.36±7.60. The hydroxyproline content of granulation tissue was found to be 1455.93±0.60. Taraxerol was confirmed to have potent wound-healing activity in silico and in vivo.

Evaluation of wound‑healing effect of Ziziphus mauritiana L. leaf extract in rats

Background: Ziziphus mauritiana L. leaves are used traditionally for burns, wounds, inflamed parts, hypertension and as a diuretic. Objective: To evaluate the wound‑healing property of ethanol extract of Ziziphus mauritiana L. leaf (EEZM) on rats using excision, incision and dead space wound models. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino rats (150 − 200 gm) were divided into four groups (n = 6). Group I (control) animals received no treatment, group II animals were given EEZM 300 mg/kg orally, group III animals were applied EEZM gel, 100 mg/cm2 and group IV animals were applied Framycetin skin cream, 100 mg/cm2 topically. In incision and dead space wound models, the treatment was given for 10 days only from the day of wound, skin‑breaking strength and dry granulation tissue weight were estimated in incision wound model. Hydroxyproline content was estimated in dead space wound model. In excision wound model, treatment continued till the complete healing of the wound. Rate of wound contraction and period of epithelisation was evaluated thereafter. The data was analyzed by one‑way ANOVA, followed by Dunnett’s test. P <0.05 is considered significant. Results: EEZM increased the rate of wound contraction, decreased period of epithelisation, increased skin‑breaking strength and dry granulation tissue weight, elevated hydroxyproline content. Conclusion: Ziziphus mauritiana possesses wound healing activity. Key words: Period of epithelisation, skin breaking strength, wound healing, wound contraction, Ziziphus mauritiana

Evaluation of the Wound Healing Potential ofResina Draconis (Dracaena cochinchinensis)in Animal Models

Resina Draconis (RD) is a type of dragon's blood resin obtained from Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C. Chen (Yunnan, China). It has been used as a medicine since ancient times by many cultures. The ethanolic extract of Resina Draconis (RDEE) was evaluated for its wound-healing activity using excision and incision wound models in rats. Group I, the control group, was treated with ointment base. Group II, which served as a reference standard, was treated with moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO). Group III was treated with RDEE. The parameters observed were percentage of wound contraction, epithelialization period, tensile strength, histopathological studies, microvessel density (MVD), and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). The group treated with RDEE showed significantly better wound contraction and better skin-breaking strength as compared with the control group. The results of histopathological examination, MVD, and the expression levels of growth factors supported the outcome of the wound models as well. The present study provided a scientific rationale for the traditional use of RD in the management of wounds.

In vivo wound healing activity and phytochemical screening of the crude extract and various fractions of Kalanchoe petitiana A. Rich (Crassulaceae) leaves in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe leaves of Kalanchoe petitiana A. Rich (Crassulaceae) are used in Ethiopian folk medicine for treatment of evil eye, fractured surface for bone setting and several skin disorders including for the treatment of sores, boils, and malignant wounds. Aim of the studyIn order to scientifically prove the claimed utilization of the plant, the effects of the extracts and the fractions were investigated using in vivo excision, incision and dead space wound models. Materials and methodMice were used for wound healing study, while rats and rabbit were used for skin irritation test. For studying healing activity 80% methanolic extract and the fractions were formulated in strength of 5% and 10%, either as ointment (hydroalcoholic extract, aqueous and methanol fractions) or gel (chloroform fraction). Oral administration of the crude extract was used for dead space model. Negative controls were treated either with simple ointment or sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose xerogel, while positive controls with nitrofurazone (0.2w/v) skin ointment. Negative controls for dead space model were treated with 1% carboxy methyl cellulose. Parameters, including rate of wound contraction, period of complete epithelializtion, hydroxyproline contents and skin breaking strength were evaluated. ResultsSignificant wound healing activity was observed with ointment formulated from the crude extract at both 5% and 10% concentration (p<0.01) compared to controls in both excision and incision models. In dead space model, 600mg/kg (p<0.01) but not 300mg/kg significantly increased hydroxyproline content. Fractions showed variable effect, with the chloroform fraction lacking any significant effect. Both 5% and 10% formulations of the aqueous and methanolic fractions significantly increased wound contraction, decreased epithelializtion time and increased hydroxyproline content in excision wound model (p<0.05) as compared to controls. These fractions were also endowed with higher skin breaking strength in incision wound model (p<0.01). ConclusionsThe present study provided evidence that the leaves of Kalanchoe petitiana A. Rich possess remarkable wound healing activities supporting the folkloric assertion of the plant. Fractionation revealed that polar or semi polar compound may play vital role, as both aqueous and methanolic fractions were endowed with wound healing activity.

POTENTIAL OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF FICUS BENGHALENSIS ON OPEN WOUNDS AND INFLAMMATION

The present study deals with evaluation of antioxidant, wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa Linn rhizomes. The ethanolic extract prepared by maceration technique was subjected to screen for antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging method and wound healing activity using incision, excision, histopathological and dead space wound model and the study was supported with evaluation of granuloma tissue to estimate hydroxyproline content and histopathological evaluation. The anti-inflammatory study was carried out by using carageenan induced rat paw odema method. The tested extract of different dilutions in range 200µg/ml to 1000 µg/ml shows activity in range of 9.34% to 18.55%. Significant increase in wound closure rate, skin breaking strength, granuloma breaking strength was observed. The hydroxyproline content was also increased with decrease in scar area. The initial healing action might be due to increased collagen deposition and better alignment, with the obtained results it can be concluded that Curcuma longa extract has significant wound healing activity and initial healing may be due to presence of some terpenoids and antimicrobial agents. The extract shows prominent anti-inflammatory activity as compared to that of standard (Ibuprofen gel). The extract shows good anti-inflammatory activity on carageenan induced rat paw odema method.

Genistein aglycone, a soy‐derived isoflavone, improves skin changes induced by ovariectomy in rats

Ovariectomy accelerates age-related skin changes as adequate oestrogen levels are required to control structural integrity and functional capacity of skin. Genistein, a soy-derived isoflavone, has been tested in anti-ageing cosmetic preparations with interesting results on skin elasticity, photoaging and skin cancer prevention. We investigated the effects of genistein aglycone and compared them with systemic raloxifene hydrochloride and 17-α-ethinyloestradiol on skin changes in aged, ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Six months after ovariectomy, rats were randomly allocated to different groups and treated, daily, with genistein aglycone (1 and 10mg·kg(-1) s.c.), raloxifene hydrochloride (0.05 and 0.5mg·kg(-1) s.c.) or 17-α-ethinyloestradiol (0.003 and 0.03mg·kg(-1) s.c.) for 12 weeks. Controls were untreated OVX and sham OVX rats. At the end of the treatment period, a skin biopsy was carried out and skin samples were assessed for molecular, histological and functional changes. Skin samples of untreated OVX rats showed a decrease in TGF-β1, VEGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 compared with sham OVX rats. All the treatments significantly restored this depressed molecular profile revealed in OVX rats. Genistein aglycone, 1mg·kg(-1) , also significantly increased the thickness of collagen and breaking strength of skin in the OVX rats. Relatively long-term, systemic treatment with genistein aglycone shows comparable efficacy to oestrogen in reversing some molecular, histological and functional changes of the skin associated with ovariectomy in aged rats. This suggests that genistein aglycone might be an effective alternative therapy for the management of age-related skin changes in postmenopausal women.

Wound Healing Activity of Hemigraphis Colorata

Preliminary phytochemical studies of Methanolic extract of Hemigraphis colorata have shown the presence of alkaloids, tannins, proteins and steroids. The objective of the study was to evaluate wound healing activity of the methanolic extract ointment of dried leaves of Hemigraphis colorata in albino rats. Wound healing activity was determined in rats, after topical application of 5%w/w methanolic extract ointment of dried leaves of Hemigraphis colorata, using excision and incision models. The animals were divided into three groups of 6 each in all the models. In the excision model, group I animals were treated topically with simple ointment IP as placebo control, group II were treated topically with Wokadine ointment (5% w/w Povidone iodide) as reference standard, and group III were treated with 5%w/w of methanolic extract ointment of dried leaves of Hemigraphis colorata/day. In incision model, group I animals were treated topically with simple ointment IP as placebo control, group II were treated topically with Wokadine ointment (5%w/w Povidone iodide) as reference standard, and group III were treated with 5%w/w of methanolic extract ointment of dried leaves of Hemigraphis colorata/day. In excision wound model the wound closure was significantly higher when compared to control group (P<0.001) and it was comparable to that of standard Wokadine ointment (5% w/w Povidone iodide). In incision wound model healing was assessed by the tensile strength (skin breaking strength). The tensile strength in extract treated animals were significantly more when compared to simple ointment IP as placebo control (P<0.001) and it was comparable to that of standard ointment. The increase in tensile strength of treated wounds may be due to the increase in collagen concentration per unit area and stabilisation of fibers. The results encouraged the use of Hemigraphis colorata for the topical management of wound and in depth study about the active constituents is necessary.Â

Wound healing phytoconstituents from seed kernel of Entada pursaetha DC. and their molecular docking studies with glycogen synthase kinase 3-β

The present study was aimed at isolation of phytoconstituents from the seed kernel of Entada pursaetha DC. and screened for their wound healing activity by excision, incision, and dead space wound models on Swiss Albino Wistar rats. In correlation to in vitro wound healing activity, all phytoconstituents were subjected to molecular docking studies for the inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK3-β) protein, a main target for wound healing activity by Wnt signaling pathway. Among the phytoconstituents, entagenic acid showed good wound healing activity. In excision wound model, entagenic acid showed significant activity compared with other two phytoconstituents (Mean time of epithelialization in days is 18.08 ± 0.01); in incision wound model, it showed tremendous activity with skin breaking strength of 655.67 ± 4.14 than nitrofurazone (683.33 ± 33.33) and also in dead space wound model entagenic acid showed very significant activity. Also in molecular docking studies, entagenic acid showed minimum binding (−8.79 kJ mol−1) and docking (−8.95 kJ mol−1) energy with good affinity toward active pocket, thus entagenic acid may be considered as good inhibitor of GSK3-β.