This study was performed to evaluate the wound healing potential and antioxidant effect of methanol extract of Zizyphus lotus leaves (MZL), and to identify its phenolic profile by HPLC‐PDA‐ESI‐MS. Wound healing activity was assessed in vivo using excision model. Biochemical and histopathological analyses were conducted. In vitro antioxidant potential of MZL was tested using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and β‐carotene bleaching methods. HPLC‐PDA‐ESI‐MS was used for the phenolic profiling. Animals treated with MZL ointment showed a significant reduction in epithelialization time and high contraction rate compared to controls. Proteins, hydroxyproline, and hexosamines contents of ointment‐treated animals were higher than controls. Marked cross‐linking of collagen fibers and lack of inflammatory cells were observed in the granulation tissue of the ointment‐treated animals. Chemical profiling of MZL revealed that quercetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside and catechin are the major constituents. Phenolic compounds of the methanol extract of Zizyphus lotus leaves may be engaged in the acceleration of the healing process activity.
Practical application
In Mediterranean region, like Algeria, Zizyphus lotus is used in nutrition, health, and cosmetics. Several parts of this plant are employed to treat urinary troubles, diabetes, skin infections, fever, diarrhea, insomnia, bronchitis, and hypoglycemia. There is no scientific paper investigating the phenolic composition of Z. lotus leaves using a mass spectrometry coupled high‐performance liquid chromatography, as well as examining their wound healing potential. Results from this study revealed the presence of many flavonoids exhibiting important antioxidant and wound healing potentials through specific mechanisms. Z. lotus leaves are a source of pharmacologically active compounds with benefits for human nutrition, health‐promoting, and disease preventing.