Curcumin accelerates cutaneous wound healing via multiple biological actions: The involvement of TNF‐α, MMP‐9, α‐SMA, and collagen

Abstract

Curcumin, a constituent of the turmeric plant, has antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects, but its effects on wound healing are unclear. We created back wounds in 72 mice and treated them with or without topical curcumin (0.2 mg/mL) in Pluronic F127 gel (20%) daily for 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 days. Healing in wounds was evaluated from gross appearance, microscopically by haematoxylin and eosin staining, by immunohistochemistry for tumour necrosis factor alpha and alpha smooth muscle actin, and by polymerase chain reaction amplification of mRNA expression levels. Treatment caused fast wound closure with well-formed granulation tissue dominated by collagen deposition and regenerating epithelium. Curcumin increased the levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha mRNA and protein in the early phase of healing, which then decreased significantly. However, these levels remained high in controls. Levels of collagen were significantly higher in curcumin-treated wounds. Immunohistochemical staining for alpha smooth muscle actin was increased in curcumin-treated mice on days 7 and 12. Curcumin treatment significantly suppressed matrix metallopeptidase-9 and stimulated alpha smooth muscle levels in tumour necrosis factor alpha-treated fibroblasts via nuclear factor kappa B signalling. Thus, topical curcumin accelerated wound healing in mice by regulating the levels of various cytokines.

Burn Ointment Promoted Cutaneous Wound for Burns and Scalds by Modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway

“…For example, Chen [27] found that inhibiting the expression of IL-6 and IL-10 could reduce the in ammatory response to promote wound healing. The secretion of VEGF in the healing process also exerts and important effect, and VEGF will promote the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and their survival, accelerating the formation of new blood vessels [28][29][30][31]. The blood vessels are the channels of nutrient delivery in the body [32], and ensure that the tissues and organs are provided with su cient requirements for new skin formation [33].…”

A Synthetic Curcuminoid Analog, (2E,6E)-2,6-bis(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene)cyclohexanone, Ameliorates Impaired Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice by Increasing miR-146a

“…Curcumin (1,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione), a polyphenol extracted from the plant curcuma longa with anti-inflammatory and free-radical scavenging function, has been proven to be an effective agent against wound [3][4][5], but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. However, the clinical application of curcumin is limited due to its poor water solubility and low bioavailability [6].…”

Characterization of Collagen/Lipid Nanoparticle–Curcumin Cryostructurates for Wound Healing Applications

“…In this study, we focused on the polyphenol curcumin which has been widely used for centuries in the traditional medicines of China and India. Curcumin exhibits some antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti‐inflammatory properties, besides expressing a potential matrix metallo protease (MMP)‐inhibiting activity, and has recently aroused much interest for wound‐healing applications . It has also been demonstrated to accelerate wound healing via different biological processes, such as regulation of cytokine levels and MMP9 concentration in wound beds.…”

“…It has also been demonstrated to accelerate wound healing via different biological processes, such as regulation of cytokine levels and MMP9 concentration in wound beds. Together, these factors enhance tissue granulation through fibroblast proliferation, help to deposit new collagen, stimulate neoangiogenesis, and regenerate epithelial layers …”