Wound healing and anti-inflammatory potential of Ajuga bracteosa-conjugated silver nanoparticles in Balb/c mice

Background Wound therapy is complicated, uncomfortable for the patient, and costly for the health-care system. Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have antibacterial characteristics that can prevent bacterial infection in wounds and speed up wound healing Objective The aim of current research was to investigate the wound healing and anti-inflammatory potential of biogenic synthesized silver nanoparticles (ABAgNP) using Ajuga bracteosa (ABaqu) in Swiss albino mice. Methods In vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities were carried out using Bala/c mice. For in vivo screening of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of both ABAgNPs and ABaqu were used. Liver and kidney functional markers, hematology, and histopathological studies were carried out after 14 days of administration. Results The obtained biogenic nanoparticles were characterized, dermal toxicity, wound excision repairing, and formalin-induced paw edema assays were performed in Swiss albino mice. Dermal toxicity showed that tested concentrations of ABaqu and ABAgNPs were safe. No adverse effects, changes, and alteration in the skin of treatment groups as well as the control vehicle group (petroleum jelly) were recorded. Results revealed that the enhanced wound contraction was observed in ABaqu, ABAgNP, and the Nitrofuranose treated groups from 7 th to 11 th days. The anti-inflammatory activity in formalin-induced paw edema model illustrated the potential use of silver nanoparticles ABAgNPs and ABaqu as a reducing or inflammation inhibiting agents due to the release of acute inflammatory mediators. Conclusion Therefore, it was concluded that both silver nanoparticles (ABAgNP) and Ajuga bracteosa (ABaqu) extracts could be used as a wound healing and anti-inflammatory agents.