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Planta Med 2024; 90(12): 949-958
DOI: 10.1055/a-2378-9274
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Original Papers

Ajuga taiwanensis Extract Promotes Wound-healing via Activation of PDGFR/MAPK Pathway

Wei-Hsiang Hsu
1   Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
2   Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
,
Jing-Jy Cheng
3   National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
4   Program in Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
,
Ching-Fen Wu
5   Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
,
Yun-Lian Lin 
1   Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
6   Department of Pharmacy, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
› Author AffiliationsThis work was supported by AXR Pharma Inc., Taipei City 112, Taiwan (CMU No. 107426CD) and China Medical University, Taichung 404328, Taiwan (CMU109-MF-93) to Y. L. L., and MOHW112-NRICM-D-325-000300 to J. J. C.
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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


Publication History

Received: 11 December 2023

Accepted after revision: 05 June 2024

Article published online:
19 August 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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