Plantago australis Hydroethanolic Extract-Loaded Formulations: Promising Dressings for Wound Healing

The productions of wound dressings involve three key goals: wound protection, suitable environment, and acceleration of the healing process. This study was based on our previous findings of a Plantago australis Lam., Plantaginaceae, hydroethanolic extract and its pronounced wound healing activity, leading to the development of wound dressings containing the extract. The hydroethanolic extract was produced by an ultrasound method, using leaves followed by HPLC characterization. A nanofiber containing the extract was produced by using polyvinyl alcohol and electrospinning and had its mechanical and physical properties characterized. The hydroethanolic extract was found stable after electrospun and the nanofiber provided a continuous drug release. An ointment containing the extract was produced in lanolin:vaseline base by spatulation. In vitro and in vivo wound healing activities were assessed by 3D cell culture and by inflicting wounds in Wistar rats and placing the dressings up to 14 days, respectively. In vitro proliferation assay showed that exposure to hydroethanolic extract nanofiber increases the size of the spheroid (sum of the spheroid area and cell proliferation area) compared to the extract and blank nanofiber. In vivo testing indicated enhanced wound healing efficacy of animals treated with the hydroethanolic extract nanofiber and ointment when compared to the hydrogel containing the extract and blank formulations. Thus, these dressings could be used to maximize the healing process, improving the treatment outcome.