Development and characterization of natural phenolics-rich extracts and formulations based on Putoria calabrica leaf for wound healing applications

Background and Objectives This study is the first to comprehensively investigate the phenolic profile, therapeutic potential, and acute toxicity of Putoria calabrica, a Mediterranean medicinal plant. It aims to evaluate its potential for innovative wound healing formulations by analyzing the phenolic composition of five extracts, assessing antifungal activity, and evaluating toxicity, hemoglobin oxidative status, and wound healing efficacy in animal models. Methods The phenolic content of the extracts was analyzed using HPLC-DAD. Antifungal activity was assessed on solid PDA media, while biochemical parameters were determined spectrophotometrically. Key findings Ten phenolics were identified, with vitexin (20.84 mg/g), rutin (17.66 mg/g), and chlorogenic acid (14.15 mg/g) as the predominant. Methanol extract showed the highest antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium chrysogenum with rates of 57.61% and 59.62% inhibition respectively, and a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 8 mg/ml, comparable to ethanol extract. The latter also inhibited hemoglobin degradation and methemoglobin formation at 2.5–5.0 mg/ml. In mice, ethanol extract ointments (5% and 10%) showed no toxicity, with a 96.43% wound contraction after 18 days of applying the 10% formulation. Conclusions The current findings suggest that P. calabrica leaf extracts may offer a promising natural remedy with wound healing, antioxidant, and antifungal properties, deserving further investigation for therapeutic applications.