Varied Dilutions of Honey Promotes Wound Healing

Modulating prime molecular Expressions and in vitro wound healing rate in keratinocyte (HaCaT) population under characteristic Honey dilutions

J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Mar 17. pii: S0378-8741(15)00161-0

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE:

In traditional medicines honey is known for healing efficacy and vividly used as 'Anupan' in Ayurvedic medicines appreciating roles in dilutions. Validating efficacy of physico-chemically characterized honey in dilutions, studies on in vitro wound healing and attainment of cellular confluence epithelial cells including expressions of cardinal genes is crucial.

AIM OF THE STUDY:

To evaluate effects of characterized honey in varied dilutions on cellular viability, in vitro wound healing and modulation of prime epithelial gene expressions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Six Indian honey-samples from different sources were physico-chemically characterized and optimal one was explored in dilutions (v/v %) through in vitro studies on human epithelial (HaCaT) cells for viability, wound healing and expressions of genes p63, E-cadherin, β-catenin, GnT-III and GnT-V.

RESULTS:

Studied honey samples (i.e. A-F) depicted range of pH (2-4), water (12.48-23.95), electrical conductivity (2.57-14.34), carbohydrate (68.73-98.65), protein (0.316-5.36) and antioxidant potential. Though sample A and F showed physico-chemical proximity, but overall bio-impact of the earlier was better, thus studied in 8-0.1% (v/v) dilution range. Four dilutions (0.01, 0.04, 0.1, 0.25v/v %) augmented cellular viability but in vitro wound healing was fastest (p < 0.05) under 0.1%. Such efficacy was further documented for p63 up-regulation by immunocytochemistry and mRNA studies. The E-cadherin and β-catenin mRNA-expressions were also up-regulated and their proteins were predominantly cytoplasmic. E-cadherin up-regulation was corroborative with down-regulation and up-regulation of GnT-III and GnT-V respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Present study illustrated efficacy of particular honey dilution (0.1%) with characteristic free radical scavenging activity in facilitating cell proliferation and attainment of confluence towards faster wound healing and modulation of cardinal epithelial genes (viz.p63, E-cadherin, β-catenin, Gnt-III &V).