Evaluation of the In Vitro Oral Wound Healing Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Rind Extract and Punicalagin, in Combination with Zn (II)

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a well-established folklore medicine, demonstrating benefits in treating numerous conditions partly due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Such desirable medicinal capabilities are attributed to a high hydrolysable tannin content, especially punicalagin. However, few studies have evaluated the abilities of pomegranate to promote oral healing, during situations such as periodontal disease or trauma. Therefore, this study evaluated the antioxidant and in vitro gingival wound healing effects of pomegranate rind extract (PRE) and punicalagin, alone and in combination with Zn (II). In vitro antioxidant activities were studied using DPPH and ABTS assays, with total PRE phenolic content measured by Folin–Ciocalteu assay. PRE, punicalagin and Zn (II) combination effects on human gingival fibroblast viability/proliferation and migration were investigated by MTT assay and scratch wounds, respectively. Punicalagin demonstrated superior antioxidant capacities to PRE, although Zn (II) exerted no additional influences. PRE, punicalagin and Zn (II) reduced gingival fibroblast viability and migration at high concentrations, but retained viability at lower concentrations without Zn (II). Fibroblast speed and distance travelled during migration were also enhanced by punicalagin with Zn (II) at low concentrations. Therefore, punicalagin in combination with Zn (II) may promote certain anti-inflammatory and fibroblast responses to aid oral healing.

Synergistic In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Pomegranate Rind Extract and Zinc (II) against Micrococcus luteus under Planktonic and Biofilm Conditions

“…Punicalagin and PRE have been shown to downregulate inflammatory mediators [27,82], and enhanced activity between PRE and Zn (II) was reported in in vitro wound healing experiments [83]. However, the mechanism involved the synergistic antimicrobial effect of PRE/Zn (II) in combination is currently unclear.…”

Myofibroblasts: Function, Formation, and Scope of Molecular Therapies for Skin Fibrosis

“…Natural compounds have a long history of use in wound healing, and the cellular mechanisms of action are beginning to be delineated as active components are extracted and assessed [280][281][282]. The exploitation of the aromatic nature and antioxidant capabilities of various naturally sourced polyphenolic compounds and their extracts have been demonstrated in numerous in vitro and in vivo systems, with desirable biocompatible and anti-fibrotic effects in models of pulmonary [283][284][285]; renal [286,287]; myocardial [288,289]; and skin fibrosis [290,291].…”

Role of Pomegranate in the Management of Cancer

“…This shows the prospect of using pomegranate extracts as an adjuvant in normal cancer chemotherapy in order to improve the quality of life of the people undergoing treatment. Also, the rind extract rich in the tannin punicalagin when used in combination with zinc is shows healing activity in the oral cavity due to the anti-inflammatory activity [10,11].…”