In vitro Wound Healing Potential and Antimicrobial Activity of Clerodendrum Inerme Leave Extracts

Background: Clerodendrum inerme is a medicinal plant which exhibited many pharmacological effects. However, wound healing property of this plant has not been investigated. Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate wound healing and antimicrobial activities of C. inerme leaves using the in vitro model with Human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Methods: Cytotoxicity and wound healing effects were determined by MTT and scratch wound healing assay. Antimicrobial activities against cutaneous flora and clinical isolates of bacteria were investigated by broth microdilution assay. Results: The results showed that the water extract of C. inerme leaves did not exhibit cytotoxic effects on HaCaT cells, while ethanol extracts at higher concentrations significantly decreased cell growth with an IC₅₀ value of 386.8 ± 87.1 μg/mL. The water extract and the lowest concentration (6.25 μg/mL) of the ethanol extract significantly increased percentage of wound closure compared with the untreated group. The water and ethanol extracts of C. inerme displayed a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, inhibiting growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus.epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The water extract displayed remarkable activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus with MIC and MBC values ranging from 0.39 to 1.56 μg/mL. Notably, it provided stronger antibacterial activity than vancomycin and also showed antifungal activity against C. albicans. Conclusion: This study confirms the potential of C. inerme leaves for wound healing and antimicrobial therapy and supports the continued utilization of C. inerme leaves in traditional medicine. Further studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms through which it exerts such biological effects.