Exploring the wound healing potential of Ixora coccinea and Rhododendron arboreum formulation: integrating experimental and computational approaches

Abstract

Background Wound healing is a complex biological process involving numerous cellular and molecular events. Ixora coccinea and Rhododendron arboreum flowers have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties, prompting an investigation into their combined effects on wound healing using both in vitro and in silico approaches. Methods Ixora and Rhododendron flowers were processed in a 1:1 ratio using an ethanolic solvent. Various concentrations of the extracts were applied to wounded mouse fibroblast cell monolayers (3T3-L1). Antioxidant potential was evaluated by DPPH and H2O2 assays, while anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using BSA and EA assays. Wound closure kinetics were monitored with image analysis software. Molecular docking studies examined interactions between active compounds and essential wound-healing proteins. Results The formulations inhibited ROS production at a low concentration (IC50∼1.38 μg/mL), indicating suitability for managing oxidative stress. The extracts also showed protein denaturation inhibition with an IC50 value of 14.5 μg/mL for BSA and 8.3 μg/mL for EA. In vitro, the combined extracts significantly enhanced wound closure compared to control groups, with higher concentrations (40 μg/mL) accelerating closure rates (99.66 %). Molecular docking revealed interactions between key compounds (Quercetin, Rutin) and essential wound healing proteins (MMP9, TGFβ1, IGFR), suggesting mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effects. Conclusion In vitro and in silico findings suggest that Ixora and Rhododendron flower extracts promote wound closure and their interaction with key proteins in wound healing pathways, highlighting their potential therapeutic value.