Accelerative action of topical piperonylic acid on mice full thickness wound by modulating inflammation and collagen deposition

Piperonilic acid, a metabolite present in peppers (Piper nigrum L. and Piper longum L.), can bind to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cause an intracellular signaling cascade conducting to the transcription of genes responsible for for these actions, especially in keratinocytes. These cells are fundamental in maintaining skin homeostasis and are the first to be damaged in the event of a wound.

Our hypothesis that piperonylic acid improves wound healing. Male C57BL6/J mice were subjected to dorsal skin wounds caused by a 6 mm punch and treated topically with piperonilic acid or vehicle. Wounds were evaluated macro and microscopically, and tissue samples were collected for immunofluorescence and real-time PCR analysis on days 6, 9, and 19 post-injury.