The Wound‐Healing Potential of the Endemic Plant Helianthemum canum (L.) Baumg: Preclinical Studies Supported with Phytochemical Profiling

Abstract

AbstractThe study‘s objective is to clarify the probable mechanisms underlying the wound‐healing properties of Helianthemum canum L. (Cistaceae), a traditional anti‐inflammatory and wound‐healing medicine. LC/MS‐MS was used to perform phytochemical analyses on a 70 % methanol extract of the plant‘s aerial parts. In vivo, linear incision and circular excision models were used to evaluate the wound healing activity. For anti‐inflammatory effect, in vivo acetic acid capillary permeability assay and in vitro Interleukin 1, Interleukin 6, and Interferon ɣ levels in LPS‐induced FR skin fibroblast cell line were also evaluated. The extract significantly improved wound healing in experimental models, with tensile strength values of 27.8 % and a contraction value of 35.09 %. Histopathological examinations, hydroxyproline estimation, hyaluronidase, collagenase, and elastase enzyme inhibitory assays confirmed wound healing potential. Inflammatory cytokines were significantly inhibited in the LPS‐induced FR cell line, with the highest effect seen on IL‐6 (34.5±2.12 pg/mL). This study offered the first concrete proof that H. canum can be used to treat wounds by suggesting that the myricetin and quinic acid content identified by LCMS‐MS analysis may be accountable for the effect of H. canum on wound contraction and hydroxyproline production.