Hibiscus syriacus extract from an established cell culture stimulates skin wound healing

Higher plants are the source of a wide array of bioactive compounds that support skin integrity and health. Hibiscus syriacus, family Malvaceae, is a plant of Chinese origin known for its antipyretic, anthelmintic, and antifungal properties. The aim of the present study was to assess the healing and hydration properties of an H. syriacus ethanolic extract (HSEE). We established a cell suspension culture from Hibiscus syriacus leaves and obtained an ethanol soluble extract from the cultured cells. The properties of the extract were tested by gene expression and functional analyses on human keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts and human skin explants. HSEE treatment increased the healing potential of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Specifically, HSEE stimulated the synthesis of fibronectin and collagen in fibroblasts and enhanced their contractility. The obtained results were confirmed on skin explants, where HSEE accelerated the wound healing activity in terms of epithelium formation and fibronectin production. Moreover, HSEE increased the expression of aquaporin 3 and filaggrin genes, both involved in skin hydration and homeostasis. Our data show that HSEE contains compounds capable of stimulating expression of biomarkers which are relevant for skin regeneration and hydration thereby counteracting molecular pathways leading to skin damage and aging.