Healing effects of Solanum nigrum fruit extract on second-degree burn wounds and its antibacterial activity against common pathogens of burn infection

Solanum nigrum (S. nigrum) is a species of flowering plant from the Solanaceae family and one of the indigenous plants of Eurasia. Given the biological activities of this plant, like antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory ones, this study assessed its effects on the healing process of second-degree burn wounds in rats. We also evaluated its antibacterial activity against common pathogens of burn wound infection (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumanni).

S. nigrum fruit extract was prepared by percolation and reflux methods. The extract was applied for the treatment of animal models with second-degree burn wounds. Parameters of wound healing and maturation, including collagen deposition, epithelialization, reduction of neutrophil migration, and angiogenesis, were evaluated. The antimicrobial activity of S. nigrum fruit extract against common pathogens of burn wound infection was assessed by the agar well diffusion method via measurement of zones of microbial growth inhibition.

Histological analysis showed a significant reduction in neutrophil migration by the 20% hydroalcoholic extract vs. control group (normal saline). In addition, we found that the 20% hydroalcoholic extract was more efficient than silver sulfadiazine in augmenting collagen deposition. S. nigrum hydro alcoholic extract also showed an inhibitory effect on S. aureus.

S. nigrum 20% hydroalcoholic extract improved some of the wound healing parameters such as collagen deposition and inflammation. It also shows an inhibitory effect on S. aureus. So, it may have therapeutic effects on burns.