Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effect of Ellagic Acid and Punicalagin in Dermal Fibroblasts

Abstract

Chronic wounds are characterized by persistent inflammation and microbial colonization, which interfere with the healing process and represent a significant clinical challenge. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and reparative potential of ellagic acid and punicalagin, along with their antimicrobial activity. Human dermal fibroblasts were exposed to a simulated inflammatory microenvironment induced by interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF) or bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and subsequently treated with ellagic acid or punicalagin (10−6 M and 10−7 M). Cell proliferation was assessed via MTT assay, and migration was evaluated using the scratch wound assay. IL-1β and IL-6 secretion was quantified by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay in LPS-treated fibroblasts. Antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was analyzed using the disk diffusion method. Both compounds significantly enhanced fibroblast viability and migration under inflammation and reduced the secretion of IL-1β and IL-6. However, no antimicrobial activity was observed at the tested concentrations. These findings suggest that ellagic acid and punicalagin may promote wound healing by modulating inflammation and supporting fibroblast function, despite lacking direct antimicrobial effect. Further in vivo studies are needed to validate their therapeutic relevance and explore their potential in the development of novel treatments for chronic wounds.