Dracorhodin perchlorate regulates fibroblast proliferation to promote rat's wound healing

In recent years, plant-derived extracts are increasing interest from researchers worldwide due to good efficacy and lower side effects. Among the different plant extracts, Dracorhodin perchlorate (DP) is originated from Dragon's blood which has long been used as a natural medicine with various pharmacological activities. In the present study, we have explored the potential regulation of DP on fibroblast proliferation which promotes wound healing both in vitro and in vivo. DP at treatment of 12-24 h significantly induced fibroblast proliferation which is associated with increasing level of phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Moreover, if ERK is halted with siRNA, DP cannot induce fibroblast proliferation. In vivo, DP ointment treatment at low- (2.5 μg/mL), medium- (5 μg/mL) and high-(10 μg/mL) doses, rat wounds healed more rapidly compared with the control group. After DP treatment for 7 days, Serpin family H member 1 (SERPINH1) staining confirmed enhanced fibroblast proliferation in the wound tissue. Finally, phosphorylated-ERK in the wound tissue remarkably increased with DP ointment treatment. Therefore, DP may be developed into a potential lead compounds for the treatment of wounds in clinical trials in the near future.