Wound healing potency of Hemigraphis alternata (Burm.f) T. Anderson leaf extract (HALE) with molecular evidence

Abstract

<em>Hemigraphis alternata</em> (Burm.f) T. Anderson, commonly called as Red Ivy or Purple waffle plant and locally, <em>Murikootti</em> (Malayalam), is well known traditionally for its therapeutic effect in wound healing. Besides the analytical and biochemical evidence, more investigations at molecular level is inevitable for highlighting the healing effect of the herbal drug. In the present study, we have demonstrated the wound healing effect of <em>H. alternata</em> by <em>in vitro</em> cell line and animal model experiments using the <em>Hemigraphis alternata</em> leaf extract (HALE). The cell survival ability, cell proliferation and migration of cells in scratch wounds leading to wound closure were evident from the data by HALE treatment. Based on the wound closure observed in scratch wounds, the marker genes of wound healing PAI-1 and TGF-β1were analyzed by qPCR. The concentration and the expression fold were determined in 3T3-L1 and L6 cell lines treated with HALE. The concentration of marker gene of wound healing PAI-1 and TGF-β1showed significant increase in cell line cultures of 3T3-L1 and L6 cells treated with different concentrations of HALE (<em>P</em> <0.05). Similarly, the expression fold of both the genes was found higher in cells treated with HALE than the control. The molecular data showing the concentration and the expression of marker genes during wound healing in scratch wounds provide strong support for using HALE as a herbal medicine with the anti-inflammatory property and the antioxidant activity.