Polygonum aviculare L. and its active compounds, quercitrin hydrate, caffeic acid, and rutin, activate the Wnt/-catenin pathway and induce cutaneous wound healing

Polygonum aviculare L. is a member of the Polygonaceae family of plants, which has been known for its antioxidant and anti-obesity effects. However, the wound healing function of P.aviculare extract has not been assessed. In this study, we identified a novel property of P.aviculare extract as a Wnt/-catenin pathway activator based on a screen of 350 plant extracts using HEK293-TOP cells retaining the Wnt/-catenin signaling reporter gene. P.aviculare extract accelerated the migration of HaCaT keratinocytes without showing significant cytotoxicity. Moreover, P.aviculare extract efficiently re-epithelized wounds generated on mice. Additionally, ingredients of P.aviculare extract, such as quercitrin hydrate, caffeic acid, and rutin, also accelerated the motility of HaCaT keratinocytes with the activation of Wnt/-catenin signaling. Therefore, based on our findings, P.aviculare extract and its active ingredients could be potential therapeutic agents for wound healing. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.