Healing effect of the polysaccharide extract from Cissus sicyoides leaves in a rat model of excisional cutaneous wounds

Abstract

The healing process is a physiological event involving cellular and molecular mechanisms to remove and replace damaged tissues, allowing new extracellular matrix synthesis. Based on previous studies showing antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of the polysaccharide-rich extract of Cissus sicyoides leaves (PE-Cs) in classical inflammation models, this study evaluated the PE-Cs effect in the rat model of excisional cutaneous wound. The topical treatment with PE-Cs (0.01–1%) for 14 days reduced (43–50%, 5 – 7th day) the wound area and increased the nociceptive threshold (38.85–47.65%, 6th hour - 7th day). PE-Cs reduced leukocyte infiltration (42% - 2nd day and 84% - 5th day) and increased fibroblasts/myofibroblasts (59% - 5th day and 24% - 7th day), collagen deposition (30% - 5th day and 23% - 7th day) and blood vessels (60% - 5th day and 50% - 7th day). PE-Cs reduced the oxidative stress marker MDA (33% - 2nd day), and increased GSH levels (35–27%, 2 – 7th day). In conclusion, PE-Cs acts in the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the rat healing process via acceleration of wound closure, reduction of inflammatory signs, oxidative stress markers and stimulation of fibroplasia, collagenesis and increased blood vessel count.