Evaluation of the healing properties of Garcinia brasiliensis extracts in a cutaneous wound model

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Wound healing is a complex process that can leave pathological scars, especially in case of infections from opportunistic microorganisms. In this context, herbal medicines open up great possibilities for investigation. One of the species of interest native to Brazil is Garcinia brasiliensis (“bacupari”). Traditionally known for treating wounds and ulcers, G. brasiliensis presents anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobials properties. But, its wound healing profile in experimental models, in order to validate its efficacy, is still litle studied. Aim of the study: Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate, in an infected cutanous wound model, the potential of formulations incorporated with G. brasiliensis leaves extracts. Materials and methods: Crude extract (CE), Ethyl Acetate Fraction (EAF) and Hexanic Fraction (HF) were submitted to phytochemical assays, high performance thin layer chromatography (HTPLC) and cytotoxicity studies. CE and EAF were also tested for microbicidal properties and incorporated in cream and gel formulations at 10% concentration. After stability testing, the gel formulations with CE or EAF at 10% were selected and applied to skin wounds infected or not with Staphylococcus aureus in Wistar rats. The healing potenttial of the extracts was verified by the expression of the protein Annexin A1 (AnxA1), related to the processes of inflammation and antifibrotic function, the cells immunostaining for Gasdermin-D (GSDM-D), a marker of pyroptotic cell death, and the dosage of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 inflammatory mediators. Results: Phytochemical studies indicated the presence of compounds of pharmacological interest, including Catechin, Quercetin and Berberine in addition to low cytotoxicity of CE and EAF at 10%. After the 6-day topical treatments, CE and EAF gel formulations demonstrated to control the pruritus formation process. The treatments decreased AnxA1 expression and the amount of cells immunostained for GSDM-D, and increased the expression of MCP-1 in infected wounds. Conclusions: Together, the results show important anti-inflammatory profile and skin healing potential of CE and EAF from G. brasiliensis leaves, even in infected lesions, with therapeutic perspectives.