Thai herbal formulas used for wound treatment: a study of their antibacterial potency, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity effects.

Aim: This present work was aimed to investigate wound healing-related biologic activities of traditional herbal formulas used for wound treatment in southern Thailand.

Methods: Water and ethanol extracts of the formulas (THR-SK004, THR-SK010, and THR-SK011) were tested for their antibacterial potency against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and -susceptible S. aureus. Anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were assessed by detection of the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production. Anti-oxidant activities and cytotoxicity of the extracts were also measured.

Results: Among the tested formulas, ethanol extract of THR-SK010 consisting of four herbs: Curcuma longa L., Areca catechu L., Oryza sativa L., and Garcinia mangostana L., was found to possess promising antibacterial activities with MIC90 of 4 μg mL(-1) against MRSA isolates. This ethanol extract offered the highest anti-inflammatory activity as well as DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities.

Conclusions: Remarkable antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities as well as low toxicity on Vero cells of THR-SK010 ethanol extract provide scientific information to support the topical use of the formula for wound treatment. This information proposes the potential to develop a new generation of phytopharmaceuticals based on traditional knowledge.