Synergistic Effect of Sophora japonica and Glycyrrhiza glabra Flavonoid-Rich Fractions on Wound Healing: In Vivo and Molecular Docking Studies

Abstract

Glycyrrhiza glabra and Sophora japonica (Fabaceae) are well-known medicinal plants with valuable secondary metabolites and pharmacological properties. The flavonoid-rich fractions of G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves were prepared using Diaion column chromatography, and the confirmation of flavonoid richness was confirmed using UPLC-ESI-MS profiling and total phenolics and flavonoids assays. UPLC-ESI-MS profiling of the flavonoid-rich fraction of G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves resulted in the tentative identification of 32 and 23 compounds, respectively. Additionally, the wound healing potential of topical preparations of each fraction, individually and in combination (1:1) ointment and gel preparations, were investigated in vivo, supported by histopathological examinations and biomarker evaluations, as well as molecular docking studies for the major constituents. The topical application of G. glabra ointment and gel, S. japonica ointment and gel and combination preparations significantly increase the wound healing rate and the reduction of oxidative stress in the wound area via MDA reduction and the elevation of reduced GSH and SOD levels as compared to the wound and Nolaver®-treated groups. The molecular docking study revealed that that major compounds in G. glabra and S. japonica can efficiently bind to the active sites of three proteins related to wound healing: glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK3-β), matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Consequently, G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves may be a rich source of bioactive metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.

In vitro and in vivo studies of Syzygium cumini-loaded electrospun PLGA/PMMA/collagen nanofibers for accelerating topical wound healing

“…2.4.1 HPLC-MS/MS analysis. Using HPLC coupled to ESI-MS, the phytochemical proling of methanol extract of S. cumini leaves was conducted based on a recently published method, 24,25 that allows the determination of the molecular weight of the isolated peak. In summary, the extract was melted in HPLC grade methanol (100 mg mL −1 ), ltered using a membrane disc lter (0.2 mm) and injected in volume of 10 mL.…”

Optimizing the Salt-Processing Parameters of Achyranthes bidentata and Their Correlation with Anti-Osteoarthritis Effect

“…Compound 16 showed the parent ion at m/z 547 and the daughter ion at m/z 255. Compared with the standard substance, compound 16 was unambiguously deduced as liquiritin apioside [35]. Compounds 17 and 19 shared the same [M−H]-ion at m/z 342 and yielded fragment ions at m/z 327, m/z 190, m/z 178, m/z 148, and m/z 135.…”