The Potency of Centella asiatica Leaf Extract on VEGF Expression and Angiogenesis in Second-Degree Burn Wound in Mice

Abstract

Burn injuries present a significant global health challenge, with the highest incidence rates reported in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. Healing burn wounds is a complex and dynamic process involving various cellular and molecular mechanisms, prominently featuring the role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in tissue regeneration and wound repair. VEGF is crucial for inducing and regulating angiogenesis and supplying oxygen and nutrients to the healing tissue. This study aims to evaluate the potential of pegagan (Centella asiatica) leaf extract cream 1%, 3%, and 5% daily for 14 days in enhancing VEGF expression and angiogenesis in second-degree burn wounds in mice (Mus musculus). This study investigates the application of C. asiatica extract cream on second-degree burn wounds in mice, comparing its effects on VEGF protein expression and angiogenesis to those of base cream and silver sulfadiazine cream, with outcomes evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining methods. Our findings suggest that C. asiatica extract cream promotes reduced burn wound size, significant upregulated VEGF expression, and enhanced angiogenesis in treating burn wounds compared to positive control, with a 5% dose having the best result. The study concludes that C. asiatica extract cream may effectively treat burn wound healing through enhancing  VEGF expression and angiogenesis.