Therapeutic effects of Euphorbia altissima on excisional wound model: role of apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory molecules

Abstract

Abstract Euphorbia Altissima (E. altissima) is a traditional medicinal herb used for many inflammatory-related health disorders, including skin problems. The study estimates the phytochemicals, acute toxicity, and wound-healing action of methanolic extracts of Euphorbia Altissima (MEEA) in excisional rat models. Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were excised at their dorsal neck and were addressed with either positive control, intrasite gel, or MEEA (250 and 500 mg/kg) for a two-week trial. Phytochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical assays were employed to depict wound healing potentials. Phytochemical profiling showed the increased total phenolic (283.10 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid contents (211.5 mg rutin/g) in methanolic extracts of E. altissima. MEEA supplementation did not cause any observable toxic damage, with the absence of any morbidity or mortality in rats ingested with up to 5 g/kg. MEEA addressing resulted in the acceleration indicated by closer and smaller wounds in a dose-dependent manner compared to positive control rats. Histological analysis demonstrated fewer inflammatory cells, more fibroblasts, and higher collagen deposition in skin tissues treated with MEEA than in positive controls. MEEA addressing caused significant modulation of tissue immunohistochemical (decreased Bax and increased HSP 70) proteins and serum inflammatory (reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and magnified IL-10) chemicals, aiding in faster wound recovery. Moreover, hydroxyproline and endogenous antioxidants were higher, and MDA contents were lower in skin tissues addressed with MEEA. This study elucidates MEEA as an efficient wound healer, supporting its folkloric use and providing scientific evidence for future exploration, including molecular identification and isolation as viable sources of therapeutic formulation.

Keywords: Euphorbia altissima, Wounds, Phytochemical composition, Histology, Inflammation