The Effects of Pumpkin Seed Oil Extract on Trichloroacetic Acid-Induced Skin Wounds and Associated Immune Markers were Evaluated Using ELISA
Salam Adil Hamdan *
Department of Physiology, Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kufa, Iraq.
Saadia Saleh Mehdy
Department of Physiology, Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kufa, Iraq.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by immune dysregulation and epidermal barrier disruption. Conventional treatments, while effective, are often associated with side effects, prompting interest in botanical alternatives. Pumpkin seed oil (PSO), derived from Cucurbita pepo, is rich in bioactive compounds with reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of PSO extract on trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-induced skin lesions in rats and to assess its impact on systemic immune markers—specifically IL-13, IL-33, TNF-α, and adiponectin—using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Methods: Forty-nine adult male Albino rats were divided into seven groups: negative control, positive control (TCA only), corn oil, Mebo® cream, and three PSO treatment groups (25%, 50%, and 100% concentrations). Dermatitis was induced by topical application of 40% TCA for five consecutive days. Treatments were applied daily, and serum levels of IL-13, IL-33, TNF-α, and adiponectin were measured post-treatment. Gross wound observations and histopathological analysis were also conducted.
Results: The 100% PSO-treated group showed significant reductions in IL-13, IL-33, TNF-α, and adiponectin levels, comparable to those in the Mebo® group and the negative control. Lower concentrations (25% and 50%) exhibited only partial cytokine suppression. Histological evaluation confirmed dose-dependent tissue regeneration and reduced inflammatory infiltration in high-dose PSO-treated groups.
Conclusion: Pumpkin seed oil extract demonstrated potent dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties in a TCA-induced dermatitis model. Its ability to modulate key immune mediators supports its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing inflammatory skin conditions. Further research is recommended to explore its clinical applicability.
Keywords: Pumpkin seed oil, atopic dermatitis, trichloroacetic acid, cytokines, IL-13, IL-33, TNF-α, adiponectin, wound healing, herbal therapy