Biological activity and mechanism of action of Gotu kola oil in skin wound repair

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the biological activity and mechanism of action of Gotu Kola oil in skin wound repair. Methods: In this study, a total of 40 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were meticulously chosen to establish a skin wound model. The rats were randomly allocated to a study group, which received topical application of Gotu kola oil, and control group, which served as the model control. Each group consisted of 20 rats to ensure an adequate sample size. The wound area was measured using precise digital imaging software to quantitatively determine the rate of wound healing. Expression levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) while the extent of microvassel regeneration at the wound site was determined by immunohistochemical method using CD34 as a marker. Results: The wound healing rate in the study group was higher than in the control group. In the study group, the transcription levels of HGF and VEGF were higher than in the control group on days 3, 7, and 14, while the transcription level of TGF-β1 was higher on days 7 and 14. Microvessel density (MVD) in the study group was higher than in the control group on days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Gotu kola oil facilitates wound healing by promoting the generation of capillaries at the wound site. Harnessing this potential of Gotu kola oil may lead to the development of more efficacious treatment strategies for skin wound repair, ultimately enhancing the quality of life of the patients.