Co-assembled supramolecular hydrogel of asiaticoside and Panax notoginseng saponins for enhanced wound healing.

Abstract

Self-assembling natural drug hydrogels have emerged as promising biomaterials for scalable and customizable drug delivery systems attributed to their inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Asiaticoside (AS), a bioactive compound derived from Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., is known for its antioxidant, antifibrotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, primarily accelerating wound healing through the promotion of collagen synthesis. However, its low water solubility leads to poor transdermal absorption and reduced bioavailability when applied topically. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), active compounds derived from the stems of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen, exhibit amphiphilic and surfactant properties, rendering them effective stabilizers. Our research has demonstrated that the co-assembly of AS and PNS forms a hydrogel, termed AS&PNS hydrogel, which significantly enhances wound healing by reducing interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and promoting the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Treatment with AS&PNS hydrogel also tended to normalize epidermal thickness and improve collagen fiber organization at the wound site. This novel hydrogel material presents a straightforward and effective approach to managing skin wounds.