Methanolic extract of Ephedra ciliata promotes wound healing and arrests inflammatory cascade in vivo through downregulation of TNF- α

AbstractChronic wounds may lead to the development of various pathological conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores. The current study evaluated wound healing and anti-inflammatory potentials of methanolic extract ofEphedra ciliata using series of in vivo models. Methanolic extract ofEphedra ciliata was prepared by maceration (Ec.Me). Qualitative and quantitative (HPLC) phytochemical and metal analyses were conducted to explore the chemical and metal profiles ofEc.Me. Safety profile (behavioural)  and, antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic potentials ofEc.Me were evaluated using well-established in vitro and in vivo models. ELISA assay was performed to estimate the effects ofEc.Me treatment on serum levels of TNF- α. HPLC analysis identified quercetin as one of the major compounds inEc.Me. Safety study data showed thatEc.Me was safe up to the dose of 2000  mg/kg. Antimicrobial assay data showed thatEc.Me was active against bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus) as well as fungal (Candida albicans andAspergillus niger) strains.Ec.Me showed modertate antioxidant potential in in vitro and in vivo models. Data of excision and burn wound  healing models showed thatEc.Me, promoted wound closure in a dose and time-dependent manner. Treatment with 20%Ec.Me cream and heparin showed almost the same effects with no statistical differences (p >  0.05). Ec.Me also showed time-dependent anti-inflammatory activities in both ...
Source: Inflammopharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research