Abstract
Chronic and prolonged wounds are a serious public problem that may severely affect
the quality of life and result in psychological pressure. Fibroblasts play a crucial
role in the wound process and in skin pathology. Herbal drugs have long been used
for wound care worldwide. Ajuga taiwanensis (Lamiaceae) is a folk medicine for antipyretics, anti-inflammation, and reducing
swelling in Taiwan. This study aimed to investigate the effect of A. taiwanensis in wound healing and the underlying mechanisms. Under human dermal fibroblast (HDF)
wound-healing activity-guided fractionation, we found that a sub-fraction (AT-M) of
A. taiwanensis extract (AT) and the major ingredients significantly promoted wound healing and decreased
IL-1β and − 6 expressions on HDFs. Furthermore, the fraction of AT-M enhanced wound healing
on C57BL/6 mouse skins, increased PDGFR expressions, and activated the PDGFR/MAPK
pathway. Taken together, A. taiwanensis extracts
promote wound healing by the PDGFR pathway and lead to enhanced cell spreading and
motility, thereby having a possible beneficial effect on wound healing.
Keywords
Ajuga taiwanensis
- Lamiaceae - human dermal fibroblasts - wound healing - PDGF receptor
