Effects of Buddleja globosa leaf and its constituents relevant to wound healing

An aqueous extract of Buddleja globosa leaves, used traditionally in Chile for wound healing, was tested for the ability to stimulate growth of fibrob lasts in vitro and for antioxidant activity in the same fibroblast cell sys tem challenged with hydrogen peroxide. Low concentrations of the extract ga ve an increase in fibroblast growth which was not statistically significant but cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations greater than 50 mug/ml. Th e extract showed strong antioxidant effect and fractionation led to the iso lation of three flavonoids and two caffeic acid derivatives, each of which was shown to contribute to the antioxidant effect at concentrations below 1 0 mug/ml. These activities would accelerate the healing of wounds. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.