Mung Bean Seed Coat Extract Promotes Diabetic Wound Healing in High-Glucose-Exposed HaCaT Keratinocytes

Mung bean seed coat (MBSC) is a byproduct of commercial vermicelli production that possesses essential activities capable of delaying diabetic wound progression. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of MBSC extracts to promote diabetic wound healing, an effect that has not yet been reported. The hypoglycemic effect was assessed by glucose uptake stimulation in L6 myotubes and by an α-glucosidase inhibition assay. Antiglycation was determined by BSA-glucose and BSA-methylglyoxal assays. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduction and wound healing were assessed in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) exposed to high glucose (HG), and gene expression in HG-wounded cells was analyzed by qPCR. The results demonstrated that the ethanolic extract (EE) from MBSC exhibited glucose-lowering effects and suppressed glycation reactions at the early and intermediate stages, with IC₅₀ values of 75 and 140 µg/mL, respectively. EE reduced ROS by 70%, stimulated cell proliferation by 57% in the high-glucose (HG)-exposed HaCaT cells, and accelerated cell migration to close the HG-exposed wound. EE increased the gene expression of Nrf2, NQO-1, SOD2, and CAT. It also downregulated TNF-α, upregulated TGF-β1, and downregulated MMP-9. In conclusion, EE has the potential to delay the progression of diabetic wounds by lowering blood glucose levels, inhibiting AGE and ROS formation, and enhancing cell proliferation and migration in HG-exposed HaCaT cells. The gene regulatory effects of EE were demonstrated as an Nrf2 activator that reduced oxidative stress, exerted anti-inflammatory effects, and regulated ECM balance. The preparation of oral and topical products could be further developed.