Curative effect and mechanisms of Radix Arnebiae oil on burn wound healing in rats

Radix Arnebiae oil (RAO) is a clinically useful traditional Chinese medical formula with outstanding curative effects on burns. However, the mechanism of the effect of RAO on wound healing remains unclear. The present study investigated the molecular mechanisms of the potential curative effect of RAO on wound healing. The concentrations of the main constituents shikonin, imperatorin and ferulic acid in RAO detected by HPLC were 24.57, 3.15 and 0.13 mg/mL, respectively. A rat burn model was established, and macroscopic and histopathological studies were performed. RAO significantly accelerated wound closure and repair scarring, increased superoxide dismutase activities, and reduced malondialdehyde. RAO also downregulated interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in wound tissues, and increased secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. RAO increased the gene expression of TGF-β1, type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen, and increased the protein expression of TGF-β1, phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt. In conclusion, RAO likely promoted wound healing via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and increased re-epithelization. Activation of the TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt pathway may play an important role in the healing efficacy of RAO. These findings suggested that RAO could be a promising alternative local treatment for burn wound healing.