Metabolite profiling and wound healing potential of Gynura cusimbua in zebrafish model

Gynura cusimbua (D. Don) S. Moore is a medicinal plant traditionally used to accelerate wound healing. Scientifically, it has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, hypoglycemic and anti-angiogenic activities. However, no report on wound healing activity of this plant has been studied scientifically so far. Thus, our study presents a scientific evaluation of wound healing potential of hydroalcoholic extract of Gynura cusimbua leaves. To identify the major phytoconstituents of hydroalcoholic extract, LCMS analysis was carried out. Protein denaturation inhibition method and membrane stabilization test was utilized to check anti- inflammatory activity of the extract. Caudal fin regeneration experiment on adult zebrafish was conducted to study wound healing potential of the extract. Developmental toxicity was studied in zebrafish embryos to rule out toxicity in the model species after systemic administration of the extract. LCMS analysis detected a total of 774 metabolites consisting of flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, lipids, organic acids, phenolic acids as well as cinnamic and coumaric acid derivatives. In vitro anti-inflammatory tests revealed the extract exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in a dose dependent manner. No developmental toxicity was observed after exposure to the extract. Regeneration of caudal fin was observed in fishes exposed to the extract with significant increase in the 800 µg/mL treatment group at 5dpa and 7dpa. Neutrophil accumulation along the wounded area was observed to be highest at 24hpa. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first report showing the wound healing potential of Gynura cusimbua with no developmental toxicity after exposure in the zebrafish model.