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The Natural Products in Topical Infections and Wound Healing

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A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 34683

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Dr. Silvia Fialová

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Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia
Interests: mentha; rosmarinic acid; lamiaceae; HPLC; LC-MS; polyphenols; antioxidant activity

Prof. Dr. Pavel Mučaji

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Guest Editor

Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia
Interests: natural products; wound healing; HPLC; triterpenes; compounds isolation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The discovery of antibiotics in the 20th century represented a significant milestone in the progress of medicine and in the history of mankind. Antibiotics have incalculable mental and material value in saving lives. However, with the antibiotic era came a new threat - microbial resistance, which currently limits the successful completion of the centenary of the antibiotic era. The multi-resistance of microorganisms that infect damaged tissue to currently available antimicrobials is also a major problem in the wound healing process or in the treatment of skin and mucous membrane infections. This process can be complicated by the formation of a microbial biofilm, where most of the available drugs often fail. Particularly dangerous are poorly healing infected wounds of at-risk patients (diabetics, oncologists or patients with immunodeficiency). Research and development of new antibiotics requires new strategies. Medicinal plants are a huge source of biologically active compounds with antimicrobial activity. Many of them have been used as medicines in human medicine for centuries, and today many of them are commonly used as readily available, inexpensive and credible safe medicines in everyday clinical practice. Current pharmaceutical research seeks to find natural substances that could be adapted to treat skin infections and promote wound healing to increase life quality and even save lives. Research into the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-QS, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxic safety of natural substances, extracts, their sources, semi-synthetic derivatives and combinations is still a major challenge in current research and development of new drugs. The results achieved can be a new hope and a great benefit for human medicine in the 21st century.

Dr. Silvia Fialová
Prof. Dr. Pavel Mučaji
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Natural products
Antimicrobial activity
LC-MS
GC-MS
Wound healing

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lycopene, Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles and Their Association: A Possible Alternative against Vulvovaginal Candidiasis?

by Gabriela Corrêa Carvalho, Gabriel Davi Marena, Gabriela Ricci Leonardi, Rafael Miguel Sábio, Ione Corrêa, Marlus Chorilli and Tais Maria Bauab

Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8558; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238558 - 5 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2094

Abstract

Commonly found colonizing the human microbiota, Candida albicans is a microorganism known for its ability to cause infections, mainly in the vulvovaginal region known as vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). This pathology is, in fact, one of the main C. albicans clinical manifestations, changing from a colonizer to a pathogen. The increase in VVC cases and limited antifungal therapy make C. albicans an increasingly frequent risk in women’s lives, especially in immunocompromised patients, pregnant women and the elderly. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new therapeutic options, especially those involving natural products associated with nanotechnology, such as lycopene and mesoporous silica nanoparticles. From this perspective, this study sought to assess whether lycopene, mesoporous silica nanoparticles and their combination would be an attractive product for the treatment of this serious disease through microbiological in vitro tests and acute toxicity tests in an alternative in vivo model of Galleria mellonella. Although they did not show desirable antifungal activity for VVC therapy, the present study strongly encourages the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles impregnated with lycopene for the treatment of other human pathologies, since the products evaluated here did not show toxicity in the in vivo test performed, being therefore, a topic to be further explored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Natural Products in Topical Infections and Wound Healing)

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21 pages, 5811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bud-Poplar-Extract-Embedded Chitosan Films as Multifunctional Wound Healing Dressing

by Carla Russo, Miranda Piccioni, Maria Laura Lorenzini, Chiara Catalano, Valeria Ambrogi, Rita Pagiotti and Donatella Pietrella

Molecules 2022, 27(22), 7757; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227757 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1977

Abstract

Wounds represent a major global health challenge. Acute and chronic wounds are sensitive to bacterial infection. The wound environment facilitates the development of microbial biofilms, delays healing, and promotes chronic inflammation processes. The aim of the present work is the development of chitosan films embedded with bud poplar extract (BPE) to be used as wound dressing for avoiding biofilm formation and healing delay. Chitosan is a polymer with antimicrobial and hydrating properties used in wound dressing, while BPE has antibacterial, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties. Chitosan-BPE films showed good antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties against Gram-positive bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans. BPE extract induced an immunomodulatory effect on human macrophages, increasing CD36 expression and TGFβ production during M1/M2 polarization, as observed by means of cytofluorimetric analysis and ELISA assay. Significant antioxidant activity was revealed in a cell-free test and in a human neutrophil assay. Moreover, the chitosan-BPE films induced a good regenerative effect in human fibroblasts by in vitro cell migration assay. Our results suggest that chitosan-BPE films could be considered a valid plant-based antimicrobial material for advanced dressings focused on the acceleration of wound repair. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Natural Products in Topical Infections and Wound Healing)

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18 pages, 6457 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on Excision Wound Infections in Rats: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Gene Expression Analysis

by Abdullah A. Al-Ghanayem, Mohammed Sanad Alhussaini, Mohammed Asad and Babu Joseph

Molecules 2022, 27(14), 4481; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27144481 - 13 Jul 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3595

Abstract

The present study investigated the wound healing activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on an infected excision wound model in rats. Infection was induced using methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. An investigation was also done to study the effect of Moringa extract on the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) gene expression in vitro using human keratinocytes (HaCaT). The methanol extract of M. oleifera leaves was analyzed for the presence of phytochemicals by LCMS. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was also determined. Wound contraction, days for epithelization, antioxidant enzyme activities, epidermal height, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition were studied. M. oleifera showed an antimicrobial effect and significantly improved wound contraction, reduced epithelization period, increased antioxidant enzymes activity, and reduced capillary density. Effect of the extract was less in wounds infected with P. aeruginosa when compared to MRSA. The VEGF and TGF-β1 gene expression was increased by M. oleifera. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Natural Products in Topical Infections and Wound Healing)

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18 pages, 5011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wound Healing, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau and Strobilanthes crispus (L.) Blume Extracts

by Weng Kit Ban, Isabel Lim Fong, Heng Yen Khong and Joyce Hui Yie Phung

Molecules 2022, 27(5), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27051722 - 6 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3489

Abstract

Clinacanthus nutans is known to be an anticancer and antiviral agent, and Strobilanthes crispus has proven to be an antidiuretic and antidiabetic agent. However, there is a high possibility that these plants possess multiple beneficial properties, such as antimicrobial and wound healing properties. This study aims to assess the wound healing, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of Clinacanthus nutans and Strobilanthes crispus. The Clinacanthus nutans and Strobilanthes crispus leaves were dried, ground, and extracted with ethanol, acetone, and chloroform through cold maceration. In a modified scratch assay with co-incubation of skin fibroblast and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Clinacanthus nutans and Strobilanthes crispus extracts were assessed for their wound healing potential, and the antimicrobial activities of Clinacanthus nutans and Strobilanthes crispus extracts were performed on a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria on Mueller–Hinton agar based on a disc diffusion assay. To assess for antioxidant potential, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total phenolic and total flavonoid assays were conducted. In the modified scratch assay, Clinacanthus nutans extracts aided in the wound healing activity while in the presence of MRSA, and Strobilanthes crispus extracts were superior in antimicrobial and wound healing activities. In addition, Strobilanthes crispus extracts were superior to Clinacanthus nutans extracts against Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Mueller–Hinton agar. Acetone-extracted Clinacanthus nutans contained the highest level of antioxidant in comparison with other Clinacanthus nutans extracts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Natural Products in Topical Infections and Wound Healing)

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19 pages, 4485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Wound-Healing Effect of Mango Peel Extract on Incision Wounds in a Murine Model

by Lesslie Espinosa-Espinosa, Leticia Garduño-Siciliano, Mario Rodriguez-Canales, Luis Barbo Hernandez-Portilla, Maria Margarita Canales-Martinez and Marco Aurelio Rodriguez-Monroy

Molecules 2022, 27(1), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27010259 - 1 Jan 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5441

Abstract

Mangifera indica can generate up to 60% of polluting by-products, including peels. However, it has been shown that flavonoids and mangiferin are mainly responsible for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities closely related to the wound-healing process. The chemical composition of MEMI (methanolic extract of M. indica) was analyzed by HPLC-DAD, as well as concentrations of total phenol (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) and antioxidant activity (SA₅₀). Wound-healing efficacy was determined by measurements of wound contraction, histological analysis, and tensiometric method; moreover, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and acute dermal toxicity (OECD 402) were also evaluated. Phenol, resorcinol, conjugated resorcinol, and mangiferin were detected. TPC, TFC, and SA₅₀ were 136 mg GAE/g, 101.66 mg QE/g, and 36.33 µg/mL, respectively. Tensile strength and wound contraction closure did not show significant differences between MEMI and dexpanthenol groups. Histological analysis (after 14 days) shows a similar architecture between MEMI treatment and normal skin. MEMI exhibits a reduction in edema. Staphylococcus epidermidis had an MIC of 2 mg/mL, while Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli reached 4 mg/mL. The MEMI showed no signs of toxicity. Therefore, this study demonstrates multiple targets that flavonoids and mangiferin of MEMI may present during the healing process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Natural Products in Topical Infections and Wound Healing)

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23 pages, 2450 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Use of Proteins, Lipids, and Carbohydrates in the Management of Wounds

by Priscilla Barbosa Sales de Albuquerque, Natalie Emanuelle Ribeiro Rodrigues, Priscila Marcelino dos Santos Silva, Weslley Felix de Oliveira, Maria Tereza dos Santos Correia and Luana Cassandra Breitenbach Barroso Coelho

Molecules 2023, 28(4), 1580; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041580 - 7 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3573

Abstract

Despite the fact that skin has a stronger potential to regenerate than other tissues, wounds have become a serious healthcare issue. Much effort has been focused on developing efficient therapeutical approaches, especially biological ones. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the wound healing process, the classification of wounds, and the particular characteristics of each phase of the repair process. We also highlight characteristics of the normal process and those involved in impaired wound healing, specifically in the case of infected wounds. The treatments discussed here include proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Proteins are important actors mediating interactions between cells and between them and the extracellular matrix, which are essential interactions for the healing process. Different strategies involving biopolymers, blends, nanotools, and immobilizing systems have been studied against infected wounds. Lipids of animal, mineral, and mainly vegetable origin have been used in the development of topical biocompatible formulations, since their healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties are interesting for wound healing. Vegetable oils, polymeric films, lipid nanoparticles, and lipid-based drug delivery systems have been reported as promising approaches in managing skin wounds. Carbohydrate-based formulations as blends, hydrogels, and nanocomposites, have also been reported as promising healing, antimicrobial, and modulatory agents for wound management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Natural Products in Topical Infections and Wound Healing)

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21 pages, 1128 KiB

Open AccessReview

Therapeutic Potential of Flavonoids and Tannins in Management of Oral Infectious Diseases—A Review

by Ján Kováč, Lívia Slobodníková, Eva Trajčíková, Katarína Rendeková, Pavel Mučaji, Alice Sychrová and Silvia Bittner Fialová

Molecules 2023, 28(1), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010158 - 24 Dec 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5580

Abstract

Medicinal plants are rich sources of valuable molecules with various profitable biological effects, including antimicrobial activity. The advantages of herbal products are their effectiveness, relative safety based on research or extended traditional use, and accessibility without prescription. Extensive and irrational usage of antibiotics since their discovery in 1928 has led to the increasing expiration of their effectiveness due to antibacterial resistance. Now, medical research is facing a big and challenging mission to find effective and safe antimicrobial therapies to replace inactive drugs. Over the years, one of the research fields that remained the most available is the area of natural products: medicinal plants and their metabolites, which could serve as active substances to fight against microbes or be considered as models in drug design. This review presents selected flavonoids (such as apigenin, quercetin, kaempferol, kurarinone, and morin) and tannins (including oligomeric proanthocyanidins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, catechins, and epigallocatechin gallate), but also medicinal plants rich in these compounds as potential therapeutic agents in oral infectious diseases based on traditional usages such as Agrimonia eupatoria L., Hamamelis virginiana L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Vaccinium myrtillus L., Quercus robur L., Rosa gallica L., Rubus idaeus L., or Potentilla erecta (L.). Some of the presented compounds and extracts are already successfully used to maintain oral health, as the main or additive ingredient of toothpastes or mouthwashes. Others are promising for further research or future applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Natural Products in Topical Infections and Wound Healing)

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38 pages, 52805 KiB

Open AccessReview

Herbal Arsenal against Skin Ailments: A Review Supported by In Silico Molecular Docking Studies

by Abdel Nasser B. Singab, Nada M. Mostafa, Iten M. Fawzy, Deepika Bhatia, Pooja Tanaji Suryawanshi and Atul Kabra

Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6207; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196207 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3091

Abstract

Maintaining healthy skin is important for a healthy body. At present, skin diseases are numerous, representing a major health problem affecting all ages from neonates to the elderly worldwide. Many people may develop diseases that affect the skin, including cancer, herpes, and cellulitis. Long-term conventional treatment creates complicated disorders in vital organs of the body. It also imposes socioeconomic burdens on patients. Natural treatment is cheap and claimed to be safe. The use of plants is as old as mankind. Many medicinal plants and their parts are frequently used to treat these diseases, and they are also suitable raw materials for the production of new synthetic agents. A review of some plant families, viz., Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, etc., used in the treatment of skin diseases is provided with their most common compounds and in silico studies that summarize the recent data that have been collected in this area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Natural Products in Topical Infections and Wound Healing)

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49 pages, 3413 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prenylated Flavonoids in Topical Infections and Wound Healing

by Alice Sychrová, Gabriela Škovranová, Marie Čulenová and Silvia Bittner Fialová

Molecules 2022, 27(14), 4491; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27144491 - 13 Jul 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4729

Abstract

The review presents prenylated flavonoids as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of topical skin infections and wounds, as they can restore the balance in the wound microenvironment. A thorough two-stage search of scientific papers published between 2000 and 2022 was conducted, with independent assessment of results by two reviewers. The main criteria were an MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of up to 32 µg/mL, a microdilution/macrodilution broth method according to CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) or EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing), pathogens responsible for skin infections, and additional antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and low cytotoxic effects. A total of 127 structurally diverse flavonoids showed promising antimicrobial activity against pathogens affecting wound healing, predominantly Staphylococcus aureus strains, but only artocarpin, diplacone, isobavachalcone, licochalcone A, sophoraflavanone G, and xanthohumol showed multiple activity, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory along with low cytotoxicity important for wound healing. Although prenylated flavonoids appear to be promising in wound therapy of humans, and also animals, their activity was measured only in vitro and in vivo. Future studies are, therefore, needed to establish rational dosing according to MIC and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) values, test potential toxicity to human cells, measure healing kinetics, and consider formulation in smart drug release systems and/or delivery technologies to increase their bioavailability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Natural Products in Topical Infections and Wound Healing)

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