Mechanisms underlying the wound healing and tissue regeneration properties of Chenopodium album

Abstract

In the current study, aerial parts (leaves, stem and shoots) of C. album were extracted with methanol and subjected to phytochemical and HPLC analysis. Agar well diffusion method was used for anti-bacterial activity against Gram-negative strains Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Gram-positive Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Burn was induced through flame heated metal rod on mice. C. album ointment (2% w/w), Vaseline (vehicle) and silver sulfadiazine (standard) were topically applied thrice daily for 15 days. Wound area was measured on day 0, 5, 10 and 15. On last day, the wound tissues were excised and subjected to histopathological, quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical analysis. Phenols, alkaloids, phytosterols, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates and glycosides were detected in phytochemical analysis. HPLC chromatogram displayed peaks for rutin, quercetin, ascorbic acid, gallic acid and various other phyto-constituents. The extract exhibited zone of inhibition in millimeter (mm) against E. coli (12.3 ± 0.57), S. typhyi (14.6 ± 1.52), Klebsiella (11.8 ± 0.76), P. aeruginosa (12.3 ± 0.57), B. cereus (12.5 ± 1.29), S. aureus (18.3 ± 2.08), and MRSA (11.8 ± 0.76). The wound area in C. album group was significantly (60%) reduced as compared to vehicle group (11%). Histological analysis showed complete re-epithelialization and fine tissue in extract treated group. qPCR data revealed up-regulation of EGF, PDGF and TGF-β1 genes in extract treated group. Similarly, immunohistochemistry results confirmed heightened EGFR expression in extract treated group. Our findings suggest that C. album can promote wound healing and tissue regeneration through control of burns related infection and modulation of growth factors and its receptors.