How Sea Buckthorn Seed Extract May Help Heal Wounds Naturally

Jenn Hoskins
15th August, 2024

How Sea Buckthorn Seed Extract May Help Heal Wounds Naturally

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from Henan University of Chinese Medicine found that sea buckthorn seed extract (SBS-EF) promotes the growth and migration of human skin fibroblasts, essential for wound healing
  • SBS-EF was shown to accelerate burn wound healing in rats, enhancing collagen production and skin repair over a 21-day period
  • The study suggests SBS-EF works by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, crucial for skin development and wound healing
Burn injuries are a significant medical concern, affecting over 2 million people in North America annually[2]. These injuries are complex, impacting multiple organ systems and posing a challenge for effective treatment. Traditional treatments often fail to address the complexity of burn wounds, leading researchers to explore alternative remedies. One such promising treatment comes from sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), a fruit recognized for its nutritional and medicinal value in traditional Chinese ethnomedicine. Researchers from Henan University of Chinese Medicine conducted a study to investigate the healing effects of the ethyl acetate extract of sea buckthorn seeds (SBS-EF) on burn wounds[1]. The primary objectives of this research were to identify the most effective medicinal site of action for treating burns with sea buckthorn seeds and to explore the underlying mechanisms of their therapeutic effects. The study focused on the proliferation and migration of human skin fibroblasts (HSFs), which are essential for wound healing. To evaluate the effects of different components of SBS-EF, the researchers employed various assays, including MTT assays, scratch assays, transwell assays, and hydroxyproline secretion analysis. Among the extracts tested, SBS-EF exhibited the greatest activity in promoting HSF growth and migration. Subsequent analyses involved network pharmacology, molecular docking studies, ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC-Orbitrap-Exploris-120-MS), and a severe second-degree burn rat model to investigate the chemical constituents and potential therapeutic mechanisms of SBS-EF. In vitro studies demonstrated that SBS-EF effectively promoted HSF growth and migration. The UPLC-Orbitrap-Exploris-120-MS analysis revealed that SBS-EF contained ten major constituents, with flavonoids being the predominant compounds. Notably, catechin, quercetin, and kaempferol derivatives were identified as key components. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses suggested that SBS-EF might exert its healing effects by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, a critical pathway involved in various biological processes, including skin development and wound healing[3]. In vivo experiments further supported the efficacy of SBS-EF. The extract accelerated burn wound healing in rats, increased hydroxyproline expression in skin tissue, facilitated skin structure repair, and enhanced collagen production and organization over a 21-day period. Additionally, exposure to SBS-EF upregulated WNT3a and β-catenin while downregulating GSK-3β levels in rat skin tissue. These findings suggest that SBS-EF enhances wound healing by promoting collagen accumulation and reducing scarring, thereby improving overall skin repair. The study's findings align with previous research on burn treatments. For instance, traditional treatments like silver sulfadiazine (Ag-SD) have been widely used for their antibacterial properties. However, recent studies have shown that Ag-SD can delay the wound-healing process and exhibit cytotoxic activity on host cells[4]. In contrast, SBS-EF appears to offer a more balanced approach, promoting wound healing without significant cytotoxic effects. Moreover, the study builds on existing knowledge about burn models and their limitations. Animal models, such as those using pigs, have been instrumental in understanding burn injuries and testing potential treatments[2][5]. However, these models often vary in their conditions and materials, making it challenging to standardize results. The current study's use of a severe second-degree burn rat model provides a more controlled environment to assess the therapeutic effects of SBS-EF. In conclusion, the research conducted by Henan University of Chinese Medicine highlights the potential of sea buckthorn seed extract (SBS-EF) as an effective treatment for burn wounds. By promoting HSF growth and migration, enhancing collagen production, and modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, SBS-EF offers a promising alternative to traditional treatments. These findings pave the way for further research and potential clinical applications, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with burn injuries.

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References

Main Study

1) Exploring the Potential Mechanisms of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Hippophae rhamnoides L. Seeds as a Natural Healing Agent for Wound Repair.

Published 12th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2024.118688

Related Studies

2) Animal models in burn research.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-014-1612-5

3) The Roles of WNT Signaling Pathways in Skin Development and Mechanical-Stretch-Induced Skin Regeneration.

https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13121702

4) Effect of silver on burn wound infection control and healing: review of the literature.

Journal: Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries, Issue: Vol 33, Issue 2, Mar 2007

5) Comparing the reported burn conditions for different severity burns in porcine models: a systematic review.

https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.12786


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