Modulation of COX-2, 5-LOX, and cytokine signalling by Carica papaya L. Leaf cultivar 'Red Lady' flavonoids in inflammation: in-vitro and in-silico insights

Abstract

Inflammation is crucial for wound healing, but chronic inflammation leads to complications. Carica papaya L. leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties, and this study explores the effects of the Flavonoid Fraction of C. papaya (FFCP) leaf on inflammation and wound healing. In human PBMCs, the FFCP treatment efficiently reduced the activity of COX, LOX, iNOS, NO productions, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 into the culture media. Molecular docking revealed that glycosidic flavonoids were more potent COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitors than aglycones. FFCP (100 μg/mL) significantly enhanced cell migration, closing the wound within 36 h. These findings suggest that FFCP possesses anti-inflammatory properties and promote fibroblast migration in-vitro, highlighting the potential therapeutic application of C. papaya flavonoids in inflammation management and tissue repair.

Keywords: 5-lipoxygenase; Cyclooxygenase-2; molecular docking; molecular dynamic simulation; wound healing.