Efficacy of a Mexican folk remedy containing cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Schiede ex Standl) for the treatment of burn wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Published in: Journal of ethnopharmacology Vol. 319; p. 117305
• Main Authors: Gómez-Salgado, María del Rosario Hortencia, Beltrán-Gómez, José Ángel, Díaz-Nuñez, José Luis, Rivera-Chávez, José Alberto, García-Contreras, Rodolfo, Estrada-Velasco, Ángel Yahir, Quezada, Héctor, Serrano Bello, Carlos Alberto, Castillo-Juárez, Israel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 30.01.2024
• Subjects: Antipathogenic capacity; Antivirulence; Aqueous extract; Burns; Cuachalalate; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Antivirulence; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Cuachalalate; Aqueous extract; Burns; Antipathogenic capacity
• ISSN: 0378-8741; 1872-7573
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117305

Cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens) stem bark has been used to heal wounds and counteract microbial infections since pre-Hispanic times. However, its effect in treating infected burns remains unclear. To determine the antipathogenic capacity of a folk remedy (FR) containing cuachalalate stem bark to treat lesions caused by thermal damage and bacterial infection. The antipathogenic capacity of the hexanic extract (HE) and FR was evaluated in a burned mouse model infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Second to third-degree burns were induced with 95 °C water in CD1 mice in similar ratios of males to females. The mice were randomly grouped into non-inoculated (Group 1) and P. aeruginosa inoculated. The latter were divided into untreated infection (Group 2) and infection topically treated with HE (Group 3), silver sulfadiazine (Group 4), and tween 80 (Group 5). In the case of FR, the lesions were washed with an aqueous extract (AE) and applied powdered stem bark (Group 6). Animal survival, establishment of the bacteria in the lesions, and systemic dispersion were determined. In addition, histopathological analysis was performed. The chemical composition of the AE was analyzed through molecular networking analysis, and the antivirulence capacity was determined through the inhibition of pyocyanin production and caseinolytic activity. Only the FR showed antipathogenic activity and increased animal survival by 50% by reducing the systemic dispersion of P. aeruginosa. In addition, it stimulated the formation of granulation tissue and the generation of new blood vessels. The AE did not show bactericidal activity but reduced bacterial virulence, and glycosylated flavonoids and catechins were identified as its main constituents. The results of this study contribute to validating the effectiveness of a popular remedy containing cuachalalate stem bark for treating burns infected with P. aeruginosa. [Display omitted]