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Hibiscus syriacus Extract from an Established Cell Culture Stimulates Skin Wound
Healing
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Higher plants are the source of a wide array of bioactive compounds that support skin
integrity and health. Hibiscus syriacus, family Malvaceae, is a plant of Chinese origin
known for its antipyretic, anthelmintic, and antifungal properties. The aim of this study
was to assess the healing and hydration properties of H. syriacus ethanolic extract
(HSEE). We established a cell culture from <a href="http://www.extractway.com/food-
ingredient/hibiscus-extract/" target="_self">hibiscus extract </a>and obtained an ethanol
soluble extract from cultured cells. The properties of the extract were tested by gene
expression and functional analyses on human fibroblast, keratinocytes, and skin explants.
HSEE treatment increased the healing potential of fibroblasts and keratinocytes.
Specifically, HSEE significantly stimulated fibronectin and collagen synthesis by 16 and
60%, respectively, while fibroblasts contractility was enhanced by 30%. These results were
confirmed on skin explants, where HSEE accelerated the wound healing activity in terms of
epithelium formation and fibronectin production. Moreover, HSEE increased the expression
of genes involved in skin hydration and homeostasis. Specifically, aquaporin 3 and
filaggrin genes were enhanced by 20 and 58%, respectively. Our data show that HSEE
contains compounds capable of stimulating expression of biomarkers relevant to skin
regeneration and hydration thereby counteracting molecular pathways leading to skin damage
and aging.
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Wound healing is a dynamic physiological process by which the skin regenerates itself
upon injury. The restoration of tissue integrity is the result of the interaction between
several distinct cellular elements (keratinocytes, fibroblasts, monocytes/macrophages, and
endothelial cells) and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as fibronectin and
collagen whose contraction encourages the edges of the wound to shrink together [1]. The
supply of the ideal microenvironment at the wound surface is fundamental for reaching full
skin wound's healing potential. Indeed, adverse factors, such as infection, mechanical
stress, or toxic agents, can significantly affect the skin ability to heal. Additionally,
the process of wound healing is altered in a dry skin and skin of aged individuals [2].
Skin dryness alters the ability of epithelial cells to migrate and cover the wound site
and reduces the supply of white blood cells and nutrients, which are essentials to form
new tissues and protect skin against infections [3].
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Skin hydration depends on the humidity of the environment and the hygroscopic
properties of the stratum corneum, the uppermost epidermal layer. The ability of the
stratum corneum to retain water relies on the natural moisturizing factor (NMF), a set of
substances including ions, small solutes, and free amino acids which are largely formed by
the breakdown products of filaggrin protein [4].
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Skin care products are often developed from plants. Higher plants are the source of a
wide array of biochemicals that can support the health and integrity of the skin and are
widely used in cosmetic formulations.
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