Unveiling the anti-inflammatory wound healing potential of Ocimum canum extract and its phytochemicals via bioassay-guided isolation, fractionation, and computational studies

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process that involves the coordinated efforts of various cellular and molecular mechanisms. Chronic wounds of various etiologies, such as diabetic ulcers and pressure sores, pose significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide due to their recalcitrant nature and associated complications. Wound healing is a complex physiological process, crucial for tissue repair and regeneration. Recently, plant-derived drugs have gained considerable attention due to their potential therapeutic applications in wound healing. In this study, we have evaluated the wound-healing properties of Ocimum canum (OC-12) extract in in-vitro and in-vivo models. Initially, we used bio-assay-guided isolation approach to identify phytochemicals present in the OC-12 extract. This leads us to isolate nine compounds for the first time from this plant. The extract's efficacy in promoting wound closure and cell migration was evaluated using in-vitro scratch assays in fibroblast cell lines. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, the extract at a concentration of 50 µg/ml reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines i.e. IL-6 and TNF-α levels, by 27% and 37% respectively. At the concentration of 20µM, the isolated compounds BS, ND, and SL showed the 30%, 21%, and 23% inhibition of IL-6, respectively. Subsequently, BS, ND, and SL inhibited TNF-α production by 37%, 42% and 39%, respectively. The extract also possesses antioxidant potential, with a 51.7 µg/mL EC₅₀ value as shown in DPPH radical scavenging assay. In in-vivo wound model, topical application of the 100 mg/mL extract reflected faster wound closure compared to the control, highlighting its therapeutic potential in wound management and inflammation control. These results emphasize the promising therapeutic application of OC-12 extract for the development of novel wound healing agents.