The Influence of Phyto-Active Incorporated Topical Formulations on Cell Migration in Scratch Assays and In vivo Wound Model in Mice

Abstract: Introduction: Vitis vinifera L. seed oil, Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seed oil, and the Olea europaea L. oil macerates of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. flowers and Matricaria recutita L. flowers were used for the preparation of topical wound-healing ointments.

Methods: The ointments basically were prepared by hot-melt blending method and subjected to rheo- logical tests and texture profile analysis. After characterization of in vitro characterization studies, a scratch assay was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of ointment formulations. Ultimately, the opti- mized formulations underwent further testing on an in vivo burn wound model in mice.

Results: Measured viscosity values were F1:382.98 Pa.s and F2:2562.3 Pa.s, respectively, and both of the formulations created an easy-to-apply, soft, thin adhesive film layer. The fast wound closure was observed with F1 formulation, and when applied at different doses of 100 μL, 200 μL, and 400 μL, the 200 μL concentration of F1 formulation was able to heal the wound totally (100 %) at 48th hour.

Discussion: The F1 formulation presented lower viscosity than the F2; the increase in the white pet- rolatum concentration increased the initial viscosity as expected. F1 formulation had higher phyto-actives and cera alba and lower petrolatum in comparison to F2. The wound healing effects of both the formulations were synergistic due to their phytoactives content. In in vivo studies, the F1 ointment exhibited faster re-epithelialization with less inflammation compared to the burn control group.

Conclusion: The best formulation included oils of H. italicum, M. recutita, V. vinifera, and T. foenum-graecum at a total concentration of 16%, exhibiting appropriate preadability and successful healing property. Additional research needs to be carried out to shed light on the mechanism underlying the formulation's healing capabilities.