Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Baqiatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3
Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22092/ari.2024.364408.2974
Abstract
This study assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of chitosan (CHT) film loaded with Arnebia euchroma extract, both in vitro and in vivo. Arnebia euchroma contains shikonin (SHKN), a naphthoquinone with significant anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. High-quality SHKN extract was standardized and incorporated into CHT films, which were then evaluated for stability, drug release, antibacterial effectiveness, and anti-inflammatory activity.
Two concentrations of SHKN were used in CHT film preparations. In vitro studies showed that the optimal CHT film formulation was stable over four weeks at 4°C. A biphasic SHKN release profile from the films was observed, indicative of a sustained drug release mechanism. The films exhibited a strong antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) due to the presence of SHKN, but no such effect against Escherichia coli (E. coli). A synergistic antibacterial effect was noted when CHT was combined with A. euchroma extract against S. aureus.
In vivo, CHT film with A. euchroma extract showed anti-inflammatory effects in a mice paw swelling test, comparable to betamethasone (mice were divided into 4 groups of 6) the difference was not statistically significant (p value > 0.05). Histological examination confirmed the reduction of immune cell infiltration in the treatment group. The study concluded that CHT films containing A. euchroma extract exhibit promising anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. They are also suitable for use as wound dressings, having high portability, mechanical strength, and being non-adhesive, making them readily applicable for medical and pharmaceutical use, as well as potential carriers for antimicrobial agents and antioxidants in various industries. In conclusion the use of Chitosan films embedded with Arnebia euchroma extract could offer an accessible and convenient therapeutic application for various wounds and inflammatory conditions.
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