Ultrasound-assisted aqueous extract of Campanula macrostachya enhances fibroblast repair via antioxidant and cytokine-modulatory mechanisms

Abstract

Plants are valuable sources of bioactive metabolites that influence cellular physiology and tissue repair. This study investigates the phytochemical composition and cellular wound-healing potential of the aqueous extract of Campanula macrostachya Boiss. (Campanulaceae), an endemic Anatolian species traditionally used for treating skin injuries. The extract was obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction and characterized by LC–MS, revealing chlorogenic and caffeic acids as the dominant phenolics. Antioxidant properties were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, phosphomolybdenum, and ferrous ion chelating assays, while enzyme inhibition screening included acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. In human dermal fibroblast (HDFa) cultures, the extract exhibited no cytotoxicity up to 62.5 µg/mL, significantly enhanced cell viability, and promoted 98% wound closure within 48 h in scratch assays. Moreover, TNF-α and IL-1β levels were downregulated, suggesting an anti-inflammatory contribution to tissue repair. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the cellular basis of C. macrostachya’s ethnopharmacological use and support its potential as a source of phenolic compounds that modulate redox balance and cytokine activity. The study highlights the relevance of plant-derived antioxidants in regulating fibroblast behavior and suggests their potential for future development of natural agents for skin-related applications, based on in vitro findings.