A topical formulation of Anacardium occidentale L. leaves extract enhances wound healing via mediating TNF-α and TGF- β

Abstract

Repeated trauma, inadequate perfusion or oxygenation, excessive inflammation, infection, oxidative stress, and
diabetes all contribute to impaired wound healing. In a clinical setting, delay in healing may result in severe complications
such as gangrene, leading to extended hospitalization, amputation and even death of the patient. Slow wound healing and
limitations of currently available synthetic medication, urges the need for a safe, affordable, patient-friendly, and
multi-modal herbal wound care agent. Anacardium occidentale L., commonly known as cashew and locally, Kaju, is
reported to possess antidiabetic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic activities. In this study, we
evaluated the wound healing activity of gel containing the extract of A. occidentale leaves in rats using incision, excision
and dead space wound models. Increased wound contraction, breaking strength, hydroxyproline and hexosamine content,
TGF-β level and decreased level of TNF-α indicated that the developed gel accelerated the wound healing process.
Moreover, the docking studies indicated that the aqueous alcoholic extract exerted healing activity by inhibiting GSK3-β
through β-catenin dependent Wnt signaling pathway. Thus, it can be concluded that the Anacardium occidentale leaves
extract can be a potential wound healing agent by acting on various phases of healing process.