Evaluation of anti-bacterial and wound healing activity of the fruits of Amorpha fruticosa L

Abstract

As the traditional Chinese medicine, the fresh fruits of Amorpha fruticosa L. were applied for the treatment of carbuncle, eczema and burn (Das et al., 2007). However, little is known about the functional roles of the fruits of Amorpha fruticosa L. during wound healing progress. In the present study, we evaluated both antimicrobial potential against a wide range of microorganisms and wound healing activity of the seven compounds isolated from the fruits of Amorpha fruticosa L in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that compounds I (6a,12a-dehydroamorphin), V (dehydrosermundone) and VI (tephrosin) isolated from the fruits of Amorpha fruticosa L. performed dominant antimicrobial potential against microorganisms. Moreover, these compounds significantly enhanced fibroblasts proliferation and migration, leading to promotion of wound healing. Thus, it could be possible for the therapeutic utilization of Amorpha fruticosa L. for wound healing in the future.

Keywords: Amorpha fruticosa L.; anti-bacterial; wound healing.

Figure 1

Viability of fibroblasts after different compounds treatment measured with MTT assay. Cells were exposed to gradually increased concentration of different compounds. The results are represented as a percentage of absorbance relative to control cells (100%). * Differ (P<0.05) from the control

Figure 2

Effect of different compounds on fibroblast migration activity in transwell assay. After treated with compound I(B) and V(C), the fibroblasts demonstrated significant capability of migration, compared with absence of any compounds(A).

Figure 3

Histological compare in the character of excision wound healing (100× magnification). Wounds of all groups demonstrated a continuous epithelial line covering the whole wound bed. However, the epithelium was thicker in compared with negative control group. Moreover, in compound I(A) and V(B) group, the granulation was matured showing capillary vertically oriented, robust fusiform fibrocytes and moderate well-arranged collagen. In contrast, in negative control group(C), the granulation tissue was un-matured with capillary poorly-organized, many fibroblast and slight collagen formation.