Mixture Containing 5% Polysaccharide Extract of Cerioporus squamosus (Huds.) Quélet, 5% Dexpanthenol, and 0.2% Hyaluronic Acid Shows In Vitro and In Vivo Wound Healing Properties

Abstract

Background: This study explores wound healing and the antimicrobial potential of a natural formulation containing a polysaccharide extract from Cerioporus squamosus, hyaluronic acid, and dexpanthenol. Methods: Wound healing effects were assessed using HaCaT keratinocytes, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated against human skin pathogens using a microdilution assay. In vitro cytotoxicity tests ensured formulation safety, whereas in vivo wound healing was further investigated using an animal model. Gene expression analysis was performed to assess the molecular mechanisms involved. Results: The unique glucan composition of C. squamosus (15.38% α-glucans and 7.91% β-glucans) deviated from typical mushroom polysaccharide profiles, warranting further exploration of its bioactivity. In vitro mushroom polysaccharides promoted 25.35% wound closure after 24 hours, while the three-component formulation achieved 35.81% closure. Antibacterial activity showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.44-1.75 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBCs) of 0.88-3.50 mg/mL, while antifungal activity ranged from 0.22 to 0.44 mg/mL (MICs) and 0.44 to 0.88 mg/mL (minimum fungicidal concentration-MFC). In vivo data showed that 60% of treated wounds fully closed by day 11, despite no statistically significant difference from the control. However, gene expression analysis highlighted VEGF and collagen upregulation, indicating an enhancement of wound healing on a molecular level. Conclusions: The novel three-component formulation demonstrated consistent wound healing and antimicrobial properties, supporting its potential as a safe and effective treatment for chronic and acute wounds.

Keywords: Cerioporus squamosus; antimicrobial activity; cytotoxicity; dexpanthenol; hyaluronic acid; in vitro and in vivo wound healing properties.

Figure 1

(A): In vitro wound healing of the mixture—0 h; (B): in vitro wound healing of the mixture—24 h, magnification 10× (photograph taken with Nikon camera, under Zoom 33%).

Figure 2

Wound closure dynamics following application of the mixture containing the PE of C. squamosus, DEX, and HA. Results are presented as a percentage of the initial wound areas (mean ± S.D. for a total of 9 animals per time point, per group, from two independent experiments). Data are analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey’s multiple comparisons test.

Figure 3

Effect of the mixture on IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF expression in granulation tissue during the inflammatory phase of wound healing. Results are presented as mean ± S.D. for a total of 9 animals per time point, per group, from two independent experiments and analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey’s multiple comparisons test. Statistically significant at *** p < 0.001 vs. controls.

Figure 4

Effect of the mixture on TGF-β, VEGF, collagen 1, and collagen 3 expression in granulation tissue. Results are presented as mean ± S.D. for a total of 9 animals per time point, per group, from two independent experiments and analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey’s multiple comparisons test. Statistically significant at * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 and *** p < 0.001 vs. controls.