Hydroethanolic Extract of Strychnos pseudoquina Accelerates Skin Wound Healing by Modulating the Oxidative Status and Microstructural Reorganization of Scar Tissue in Experimental Type I Diabetes

Abstract

The effect of topical application of ointment based on Strychnos pseudoquina hydroethanolic extract in the cutaneous wounds healing in diabetic rats was evaluated. Samples of S. pseudoquina were submitted to phytochemical prospection and in vitro antioxidant assay. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: Sal-wounds treated with 0.9% saline solution; VH-wounds treated with 0.6 g of lanolin cream (vehicle); SS-wounds treated with silver sulfadiazine cream (10 mg/g); ES5- and ES10-wounds treated with an ointment of S. pseudoquina extract, 5% and 10%, respectively. Fragments of wounds were removed for histological and biochemical analysis every 7 days during 21 days. ES showed equivalent levels per gram of extract of total phenols and flavonoids equal to 122.04 mg for TAE and 0.60 mg for RE. The chlorogenic acid was one of the major constituents. S. pseudoquina extract presented high antioxidant potential in vitro. ES5 and ES10 showed higher wound healing rate and higher amount of cells, blood vessels, and type III and I collagen. The oxidative stress markers were lower in the ES5 and ES10 groups, while the antioxidants enzymes levels were higher. Ointment based on S. pseudoquina extract promotes a fast and efficient cutaneous repair in diabetic rats.

High-Fat Diet and Alcohol Intake Promotes Inflammation and Impairs Skin Wound Healing in Wistar Rats

“…Higher blood AST and ALT found in our study also seems to support a hypothesis of an overall malfunction of the body caused by excessive free-radical generation, delaying the healing process [ 43 , 46 ]. The newly formed granulation tissue, along with cells and blood vessels, presents fibrillary components that support cell migration and act as a scaffold for tissue maturation, providing the new skin with resistance and strength [ 46 – 48 ]. Our results showed that the administration of a combined high-fat diet and alcohol delayed type I and type III collagen deposition, impairing cell migration and fiber synthesis and remodeling.…”

“…Increases in these two oxidative stress markers indicate possible membrane and protein cell lesions, possibly due to a continuous effect of a stressor. These indicative alterations may include an initial inflammation with reversible lesions and later necrosis or apoptosis [ 15 , 46 , 60 ]. Acetaldehyde oxidation and pH alterations to the epidermis stratum corneum were also reported as factors extending the inflammation process in scar tissue when ethanol consumption is involved [ 2 ].…”

Beneficial Role of Phytochemicals on Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Diseases

“…Hundreds of other phytochemicals are reported in literature with potential effects on skin, such as anti-age activity [169], photoprotection [170], wound healing [171], and anti-infection [172].…”

Aster koraiensis extract improves impaired skin wound healing during hyperglycemia

“…These compounds have therapeutic effects against diabetic complications such as diabetic retinopathy 10 . Specifically, several studies have reported that chlorogenic acid has a protective effect on skin wound healing in DM 12, 18, 19. To our knowledge, no study has reported the effects of 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid on diabetic wound healing.…”

“…In a previous study, we found that the AKE improved diabetic complications such as diabetic retinopathy 10 . Several studies have reported that skin wound healing is impaired and delayed in hyperglycemia 4, 5, 12. However, the effect of AKE on hyperglycemia-induced impaired wound healing has not been investigated and the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown.…”