Exploring the wound-healing and antimicrobial potential of Dittrichia viscosa L lipidic extract: Chemical composition and in vivo evaluation

Dittrichia viscosa belongs to the Dittrichia genus, it grows abundantly in the east and northeast of Morocco, and traditionally its fresh leaves are crushed and given for topical application after burns, wounds, and infections. In this study, we examine the wound-healing activity of Dittrichia viscosa lipidic extract in vivo, assess its antimicrobial effect, and explore the specific compounds that contribute to these effects. To assess the effectiveness of wound healing, a burn-induced wound model was employed in Wistar rats, and the levels of hydroxyproline as well as histopathological changes in the skin tissues were evaluated. Furthermore, the antimicrobial potential against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Malassezia furfur was investigated using the agar disc diffusion method. Gas Chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques were employed to analyze the composition of fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols. Topical application of Dittrichia viscosa lipidic fraction ointment exhibited significant improvements in wound contraction, achieving an impressive rate of 82% within 21 days. Additionally, the lipidic extract of Dittrichia viscosa displayed notable efficacy against various microbial strains, including Candida albicans (25.07 +/- 0.2), Candida glabrata (24 +/- 0.6), and Malassezia furfur (22 +/- 0.7). The primary fatty acids identified in the sample were linolenic acid (58.95% +/- 0), oleic acid (16.75% +/- 0.04), and linoleic acid (11.97% +/- 0.1). Notably, the sample contained significant amounts of gamma-Tocopherols (732.08 +/- 21mg/kg), while the sterol fraction primarily consisted of 7-Campesterol (1937 +/- 0 mg/kg), 7-beta-Sitosterol (1621 +/- 0 mg/kg), and Stigmasterol (1439 +/- 26 mg/kg). By its richness in active compound content, Dittrichia viscosa effectively accelerates wound healing while safeguarding against microbial infections.