EVALUTION OF THE THERMOS INDUCED HEALING OF AN OINTMENT BASED ON THE LEAVES OF Bidens Pilosa L. (Astéraceae)

Evaluation of the healing effect of an ointment made from Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) leaves on thermal burns

Abstract

Burn injuries remain a major cause of morbidity worldwide, particularly in developing countries. While synthetic ointments exist, their cost and limited accessibility drive the search for plant-based alternatives. Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae), traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, has shown promising potential in promoting skin regeneration.

Phytochemical screening and LCMS analysis were performed on the extract. Acute dermal toxicity was evaluated according to OECD guideline 402. The healing activity was assessed using a thermal burn model on rats (3×3 cm wound area). Animals were divided into groups treated respectively with Bidens pilosa based ointment according to the standards of the pharmacopoeia (1% and 2%), a reference cicatrizing agent, and a control group. Macroscopic healing parameters and dermal toxicity were monitored over a 14-day period.

The extraction yield of Bidens pilosa juice was 50%, with a water content of 95.14%. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and saponins, all confirmed by LCMS characterization. The latter allowed the characterization, for the first time from the juice, of the following compounds: 2,4-dimethoxybenzoic acid, pinellic acid, hesperetin, formononetin-7-O-(6''-acetylglucoside), mirificin, citronellyl β-sophoroside, 1-O-caffeoyl-β-xylose, and 2'',6''-Di-O-acetylononin. The healing activity showed that ointment formulations containing 1% and 2% Bidens pilosa significantly (p<0.001) accelerated wound closure compared to the positive control (BIAFINE®, trolamine). No signs of acute dermal toxicity were observed throughout the study.

This study suggests that Bidens pilosa-based ointment enhances healing of heatinduced skin injuries, supporting its potential use in burn management.