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Updated: May 14, 2026
Experimental Endocarditis Model of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA in Rat
Published on: June 4, 2012
Integrative network pharmacology and experimental validation of rubus ulmifolius leaf extract in a rat model of
Essam M Alharshani1, Seham S El-Hawary2, Mohamed F Abdelhameed3
1Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini, Cairo, 11562, Egypt. essam1289@hotmail.com.
Background/Objectives:
Wounds and burn injuries are major global health challenges, often exacerbated by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. This study investigated the wound-healing efficacy of Rubus ulmifolius (RU) leaf extract, which contains bioactive compounds including rutin, vanillic acid, syringic acid, gallic acid, and protocatechuic acid. Network pharmacology analysis identified interactions between these compounds and key inflammatory and antibacterial targets, notably TNF-α and IL-1β, suggesting a role in modulating MRSA-associated inflammation.
Methods:
Antibacterial activity of RU extract was confirmed against MRSA strains. RU-based topical creams (0.5% and 1%) were applied to MRSA-infected excisional wounds in albino rats for 14 days. Wound closure was evaluated on days 0, 3, 7, and 14.
Results:
RU cream (1%) significantly enhanced wound contraction (98%) compared with the untreated control group (62%). The Fucidin® cream-treated (positive control) and RU 0.5% groups showed comparable wound closure rates of 89% and 88%, respectively. ELISA analysis revealed that RU treatment reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels while increasing IL-10, VEGF, PDGF, and RUNX-2 expression. Histopathological examination demonstrated enhanced granulation tissue formation, reduced inflammation, and improved re-epithelialization and collagen maturation in the RU-treated groups, exceeding the healing quality observed with the reference drug, Fucidin®.
Conclusions:
RU extract accelerates wound healing by modulating inflammatory responses and promoting tissue regeneration. RU extract demonstrated beneficial effects on MRSA-infected wound healing in rats, suggesting its potential as an adjunct therapy warranting further preclinical and clinical validation, warranting further clinical evaluation.
Insights
Rubus ulmifolius leaf extract significantly accelerates wound healing in MRSA-infected wounds in rats. The extract reduced inflammation and promoted tissue regeneration, showing potential as an adjunct therapy.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Wound Healing Research
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Wound and burn injuries are significant global health issues.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections complicate wound healing.
- Rubus ulmifolius (RU) leaf extract contains bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the wound-healing efficacy of Rubus ulmifolius leaf extract on MRSA-infected wounds.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of RU extract in modulating inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
Main Methods:
- Antibacterial activity of RU extract against MRSA was confirmed.
- Topical RU creams (0.5% and 1%) were applied to MRSA-infected excisional wounds in rats.
- Wound closure, inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β), growth factors, and histopathology were evaluated.
Main Results:
- 1% RU cream achieved 98% wound contraction, significantly outperforming the untreated control (62%).
- RU treatment modulated inflammatory cytokines (reduced TNF-α, IL-1β; increased IL-10) and promoted tissue regeneration markers (VEGF, PDGF, RUNX-2).
- Histopathology showed enhanced granulation tissue, reduced inflammation, and improved collagen maturation compared to the reference drug.
Conclusions:
- Rubus ulmifolius extract effectively accelerates MRSA-infected wound healing in a rat model.
- The extract's efficacy is attributed to its anti-inflammatory and tissue regeneration-promoting properties.
- RU extract shows promise as an adjunct therapy for wound healing, requiring further clinical validation.
