The effects of Polygonum cuspidatum extract on wound healing in rats.

ABSTRACT

AIM OF THE STUDY Polygonum cuspidatum has long been used as a traditional medicine inducing wound healing. In this study, the extract from the Chinese medicinal herb Polygonum cuspidatum was investigated on its wound healing activity, in order to obtain an accurate elucidation of its traditional use value. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After creating wound healing model on the back of rats, the extract from the Chinese medicinal herb Polygonum cuspidatum was applied. Wound healing rates were calculated at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after the wounding, and tissues were harvested at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days for histological and immunohistochemistry analysis. The stages of wound granulation tissues were evaluated histopathologically. The expression of TGF-ß1 was determined by immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Wound healing rates were significantly higher at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days in the extract group than in the control (p<0.05). Histological results showed more well-organized bands of collagen, more fibroblasts and hair follicle and less inflammatory cells in the extract group. The immunohistochemical results revealed that TGF-ß1 increased in the extract group on day 1, 3 and 7 post-wounding (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study has shown that the extract from the Chinese medicinal herb Polygonum cuspidatum possesses wound healing activity, and thus provided the evidence for its traditional use value.