<i>Himatanthus bracteatus</i>-Composed In Situ Polymerizable Hydrogel for Wound Healing

Abstract

The Himatanthus genus presents anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities, suggesting potential wound-healing properties. This study aimed to develop and analyze the wound-healing properties of a photopolymerizable gelatin-based hydrogel (GelMA) containing an ethanolic extract of Himatanthus bracteatus in a murine model. The extract was obtained under high pressure conditions, incorporated (2%) into the GelMA (GelMA-HB), and physically characterized. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was assessed using a carrageenan-induced pleurisy model and the GelMA-HB scarring properties in a wound-healing assay. The extract reduced IL-1β and TNF-α levels (48.5 ± 6.7 and 64.1 ± 4.9 pg/mL) compared to the vehicle (94.4 ± 2.3 pg/mL and 106.3 ± 5.7 pg/mL; p p p p < 0.05). In conclusion, GelMA-HB improved wound healing in rodents, probably by modulating the inflammatory response and myofibroblastic and microvascular differentiation.

Keywords

• <i>Himatanthus bracteatus</i> ethanolic extract
• gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel
• GelMA
• iridoids
• Wistar rats