Anti-inflammatory and wound healing potential of citrus auraptene

Auraptene is the most abundant naturally occurring geranyloxycoumarin. It is primarily isolated from plants in the Rutaceae family, many of which, like citrus fruits, are used as food in many countries. Auraptene is a biologically active secondary metabolite with valuable properties. The aim of our study was to identify novel properties of auraptene with potential for managing periodontal diseases, an inflammatory disease of bacterial origin affecting the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. In vitro assays showed that auraptene decreased, in a dose-dependent manner, the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase 2 as well as key inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand-5 secreted by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide-stimulated oral epithelial cells. Using gingival fibroblasts, auraptene showed a significant (P<.05) wound healing effect by its capacity to increase cell migration. In conclusion, auraptene shows promise for promoting wound healing and controlling periodontal diseases through its capacity to interfere with inflammatory mediator secretion.