Therapeutic Effects of Dipterocarpus alatus Roxb. Ex G. Don Ointment on Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus -Infected Skin Abrasion Wounds in Mice

Abstract

Skin abrasion wounds, especially those infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), pose a risk of developing into severe lesions. MRSA is resistant to typical antibiotics, which necessitate intravenous antibiotic and/or surgical interventions. A Yang-Na (Dipterocarpus alatus Roxb. Ex G. Don) twig extract has been shown to exhibit antibacterial and wound healing properties in mice with MRSA-infected wounds. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an ointment containing Yang-Na twig extract against MRSA-infected abrasion wounds in mice. Skin abrasion wounds induced on mice were infected with MRSA (n=10) and left untreated or treated daily with an ointment base, tetracycline ointment (160 μg/g), or Yang-Na twig ointments (20 and 40 mg/g) for 9 days, alongside a non-infected control group. MRSA infection significantly compromised skin integrity, as evidenced by weakened skin barrier strength and enhanced transepidermal water loss. The infected wounds showed signs of deterioration and substantial numbers of MRSA colonies, along with mast cell infiltration and increased mRNA expression of inflammatory-related genes (TLR-2, NF-kB, TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10). Treatment with Yang-Na twig ointments restored skin integrity and improved wound appearance within a week. Mast cell infiltration and expression of inflammatory-related genes were normalized and no MRSA colonies were observed in the wounds treated with Yang-Na twig ointments. The other treatments did not achieve the same results. These findings highlight the therapeutic effects of the Yang-Na twig ointment as an antibacterial and wound healing remedy with anti-inflammatory properties.