Objective: Based on research regarding the regenerative properties of Quercus brantii in wound healing and the anti-inflammatory benefits of Salvia officinalis in promoting the wound healing process, this study aims to explore the wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Q. brantii and S. officinalis, alone or in combination, on human fibroblast cells.
Materials and Methods: Hydroalcoholic extracts of Q. brantii and S. officinalis were prepared. Human fibroblast cell lines (HDF-1 cells) were treated with 1 to 256 µg/ml Q. brantii and/or S. officinalis extracts for 48 and 72 hr. Viability and migration potential of HDF-1 cells were  evaluated utilizing MTT colorimetric and wound healing methods, respectively. Additionally, IL-6 (Interleukin-6), TNF-α (Tomur Necrose Factor-α), and VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor ) levels were determined using ELISA kits and the expression of collagen I and III genes was estimated using real time PCR.
Results: After 48 and 72 hr, Q. brantii extract (8 µg/ml) and/or S. officinalis extract (16 µg/ml) significantly increased cell proliferation and decreased the migration ability of HDF-1 cells (p≤0.05). Treatment with an optimum concentration of Q. brantii and S. officinalis extracts significantly decreased the TNF-α level in HDF-1 cells (p≤0.05). The individual extracts of Q. brantii and S. officinalis did not produce a statistically significant effect on the concentration of IL-6 protein. However, the combination of these extracts resulted in a significant reduction in IL-6 levels (p≤0.05). Both extracts also caused a significant decrease in VEGF concentration (p≤0.05) and significantly increased the expression of collagen I and III genes (p≤0.05).
Conclusion: The combination of Q. brantii and S. officinalis extracts can accelerate the wound healing process by promoting fibroblast cell proliferation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing collagen I and III gene expression.