An Alternative Approach Wound Healing Field with Polypodium Vulgare

In this study, we examined the effects of Polypodium vulgare L. (Polypodiaceae) as a candidate to be used for wound healing scarred area. We investigated the antibacterial, and antioxidant activity of P. Vulgare on both in vivo, and in vitro wound healing using an excisional wound model in mice.

We used 32 Balb-c mice equally divided into four groups: Group 1 control, Group 2 vehicle, Group 3 Polypodium vulgare, and Group 4 Centella asiatica extract (CAE). All treatments were applied topically once in a day. The scar area, percentage wound closure and epithelization time were measured. PDGF, VEGF, and collagen immunohistochemical staining were used for evaluation.

CAE and P. vulgare extract groups were observed to be more effective than the control and vehicle groups in terms of new vascular, epidermal and granulation tissue organization. PDGF, VEGF, and collagen immunohistochemical staining was stronger in the P.vulgare extract and CAE groups compared to the control and vehicle groups. In the P. vulgare and CAE groups, PDGF staining intensity was stronger than the control and vehicle groups, but VEGF and collagen staining in P. vulgare group was not different from the control group.

P. vulgare had an effect on the injured area by regenerating the epidermis and increasing vascularization. P. vulgare extract with known antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities may be helpful as a supportive treatment in wound healing.