The Wound Healing Effect of Hydnocarpi Semen Extract on Ulcer in Diabetic Mice

The extract from Hydnocarpi Semen (HS) has been used to treat leprosy and its anti-inflammatory activity has been reported. However, the effect of HS on the treatment of diabetic or peripheral ulcer is not well known. We therefore examined its wound healing effects on ulcer area in diabetic mice. GC and GC/MS analysis with the total extract of HS show that the main constituents of the extract are chaulmoogric acid, hydnocarpic acid, and gorlic acid. Whereas HS showed wound healing effect in diabetic ulcer, there was no hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mice. The treatment of HS extract significantly decreased the level of total WBC and neutrophils in mice compared to control mice. Cutting ulcer was induced by the round-shaped punch on the backside of diabetic mice and the extract of HS was given orally or topically. The wound area score significantly decreased after treatment of HS at dose of 50 mg/kg. The treatment of HS also induced the activation of macrophages and increased the production of IL-12 and TNF-$\alpha$ in macrophages, indicating that the wound healing by HS extract is associated with the inflammatory effect via the activation of macrophages. Our results suggest that HS extract can be a new therapeutic candidate for treatment of diabetic ulcer.