Background
In hyperglycemic conditions like diabetes, impaired wound healing occurs due to endothelial damage, dysfunction of leukocyte, decreased phagocytosis and secondary infection which may lead to amputation and debility. Ethnomedicinally, Pteris vittata L. (PV) is used for wound healing. This fern is arsenic hyper-accumulator but its therapeutic aspect is still unexplored. Hence, the present study was put forth to study its aqueous extract and ethanolic extract in diabetic wound healing.
Methods
Rats were divided into diabetic control, povidine iodine (PI) treated, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of PV treated groups (n = 6). Circular excision wound closure was observed for 15 days with and without treatment. After study completion, skin was divided into four sections wherein first section was homogenized for collagen, hydroxyproline and hexosamine assay. Second, third and fourth sections were used for antioxidant assay, gene expression and histopathology. Column purified fraction of ethanolic extract of PV was subjected to High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass spectroscopy. Data obtained were analyzed using one way analysis of variance and expressed as Mean ± SD.
Results
The percentage difference in wound area of day 15 to day 0 showed 65% wound contraction in diabetic control rats. The percentage reduction in wound area showed by PI and extracts of PV were 79% and 85% respectively. Statistical significant increase in collagen, hydroxyproline and hexosamine was observed in the test groups as compared to disease control and PI treated rats. Similarly, statistical significant increases in antioxidant enzymes were observed in the treated groups with decrease in lipid peroxidation. Treatment of rats with PI and two extracts of PV up-regulated Matrix Metalloprotein-9, Collagenase-2 and VEGF-1 and down regulated Tumor Necrosis Factor- α and Interleukin-6. Histopathology in diabetic rats showed incomplete scab formation with haemorrhages which were absent in treated rats. Spectral data showed presence of polyphenolic compounds, fatty acids and ascorbic acid.
Conclusion
Alternative and complimentary management based on herbal biotherapy which can promote angiogenesis, increase collagen and lower the levels of reactive oxygen species are warranted for healing of wounds in hyperglycaemic conditions which were achieved by two extracts of PV.