Effect of Hydrogel Containing Achyrocline satureioides (Asteraceae) Extract–Loaded Nanoemulsions on Wound Healing Activity

Abstract

Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC extract–loaded nanoemulsions have demonstrated potential for wound healing, with promising effects on keratinocyte proliferation. We carried out the first in vivo investigation of the wound healing activity of a hydrogel containing A. satureioides extract–loaded nanoemulsions. We prepared hydrogels by adding the gelling agent (Carbopol® Ultrez) to extract-loaded nanoemulsions (~250 nm in diameter) obtained by spontaneous emulsification. The final flavonoid content in formulation was close to 1 mg/mL, as estimated by ultra-fast liquid chromatography. Permeation/retention studies using porcine ear skin showed that flavonoids reached deeper layers of pig ear skin when it was damaged (up to 3.2 µg/cm² in the dermis), but did not reach the Franz-type diffusion cell receptor fluid. For healing activity, we performed a dorsal wound model using Wistar rats, evaluating the lesion size, anti-inflammatory markers, oxidative damage, and histology. We found that extract-loaded formulations promoted wound healing by increasing angiogenesis by ~20%, reducing inflammation (tumor necrosis factor α) by ~35%, decreasing lipid damage, and improving the re-epithelialization process in lesions. In addition, there was an increase in the number of blood vessels and hair follicles for wounds treated with the formulation compared with the controls. Our findings indicate that the proposed formulation could be promising in the search for better quality healing and tissue reconstruction.

Effects of Calcium Carbonate Microcapsules and Nanohydroxyapatite on Properties of Thermosensitive Chitosan/Collagen Hydrogels

“…The burst release of QT from the microcapsules within the first hour of incubation indicated that QT could be entrapped within the porous structure of the microcapsules and physically bonded with the CaCO 3 particles [ 47 , 48 ]. The results agree with a previous report that hydrogel encapsulation helped increase QT retention for a gradual release of bioactive molecules at the target sites [ 28 , 49 ]. The controlled release of QT doses in a microcapsule-dependent manner suggested that the microcapsules helped to store the hydrophobic molecules of QT in the chitosan/collagen matrix, where the polycationic groups of chitosan, such as amine (NH + ), facilitated dissolution and release of hydrophobic flavonoids into the encapsulated cells and external environment [ 50 , 51 ].…”

“…As oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can affect wound healing and bone regeneration [ 27 ], addition of an antioxidant or anti-inflammatory agent would reduce these reactions [ 28 ]. Plant flavonoids such as quercetin (QT) are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomolecules that promote mesenchymal stem cell growth and osteoblastic differentiation [ 29 , 30 ].…”

Achyrocline satureioides Hydroalcoholic Extract as a Hypoallergenic Antimicrobial Substitute of Natural Origin for Commonly Used Preservatives in Cosmetic Emulsions

“…Other authors using similar extraction conditions determined the content of flavonoids via ultra-fast liquid chromatography. The final content of total flavonoids was 1 mg/mL, which corresponds to 13 mg of phenolic substances per 1 g of dried plant material [ 44 , 45 ]. In our case, the flavonoid content in the extract was similar, specifically 8.13 ± 0.09 mg CE/g of dried plant material.…”

Potential use of the Asteraceae family as a cure for diabetes: A review of ethnopharmacology to modern day drug and nutraceuticals developments

“…A. alata and A. satureioides flower extracts were used to treat skin lesions in mice. Both extracts demonstrated positive benefits, but A. alata extract accelerated wound closure, resulting in faster healing ( Balestrin et al, 2021 , 2022 ; Salazar-Gómez and Alonso-Castro, 2022 ). Higher phenolic chemicals in A. alata caused this effect.…”