Topical Moltkia coerulea hydroethanolic extract accelerates the repair of excision wound in a rat model

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a hydroethanolic extract of Moltkia coerulea ointment (MCO) on the healing of excision wound in a rat model. METHODS: Circular surgical full thickness excision wound, with 314 mm(2) size, was induced in the anterior-dorsal side of each rat. Three different doses of MCO (1%, 3% and 6%) were administrated. On Day 3, 7, 14 and 21, the tissue was sampled and immune cells, fibroblasts and fibrocytes distribution per one mm(2) of wound area, collagen density and re-epithelialization were analyzed. Moreover, the total flavnoid, phenols and anti-oxidant potential of the MCO were evaluated. Ultimately, the percentage of wound contraction in different groups was compared with each other. RESULTS: Hydroethanolic extract of MCO significantly (p < 0.05) increased wound contraction percentage. The animals in medium and high dose MCO-treated groups exhibited remarkably (p < 0.05) higher fibroblast and fibrocyte distribution and significantly (p < 0.05) lower immune cells infiltration. On Day 7 after injury, MCO up-regulated neovascularization in a dose-dependent way. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that MCO shortened the inflammation phase by provoking the fibroblast proliferation. Moreover, MCO promoted the healing process by up-regulating the angiogenesis and provoking the structural cells proliferation as well as increasing the collagen synthesis, cross-linking, and deposition.