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

Abstract

The 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 Gamma 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.