Development and Characterization of Collagen Dressings With Jatropha mutabilis Stalk Extract in the Scar Repair Process in Rodents

Abstract

The use of medicinal plant extracts in the repair of dermal wounds has been widely discussed in the literature, especially those based on collagen, due to the diverse biological activities conferred by these extracts in combination with the biocompatibility and interactivity of the material. This study aimed to develop films based on collagen and Jatropha mutabilis stalk extracts (SEJM) to evaluate the scar repair process in rodents. SEJM demonstrated the presence of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity (DPPH: IC₅₀ of 7.522 ± 0.068 μg mL⁻¹; β-carotene %: 83.770 ± 2.636), and antimicrobial action against different strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, hydrolyzed collagen was combined with PVA, glycerol, and SEJM to produce healing films (C_SEJM). Preclinical studies showed that treatment with C_SEJM was able to accelerate reepithelialization from the edges to the center of the wound, enhancing wound repair tissue in the open skin lesion model in rodents. In this study, J. mutabilis extract presented a possible clinical application for the treatment of skin lesions due to its important healing, antioxidant, and antibacterial in vivo and in vitro activities, which accelerated wound healing by stimulating tissue formation.