Antimicrobial Activity and Wound-Healing Capacity of Birch,Beech and Larch Bark Extracts |
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| Authors: | Stefanie Emrich Anja Schuster Thomas Schnabel Gertie Janneke Oostingh |
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| Institution: | 1.Biomedical Sciences, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Urstein Sued 1, 5412 Puch, Austria; (S.E.); (G.J.O.);2.Department of Forest Products Technology & Timber Constructions, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Markt 136a, 5431 Kuchl, Austria;3.Faculty of Furniture Design and Wood Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, B-dul. Eroilor nr. 29, 500036 Brasov, Romania |
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| Abstract: | Bark is a major by-product of woodworking industries. The contents of several wood species are known to harbor antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing capacities. The aim of this work was to identify beneficial properties of Austrian larch, birch and beech bark extracts for their potential usage as additives or active ingredients in dermatological applications. Bacterial agar diffusion assay and resazurin-based broth microdilution assay were used to evaluate anti-bacterial activity. To gain more insight into the cellular response to bark extracts, viability-, scratch-assays and ELISAs were performed. Birch and beech extracts showed strong antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria, including Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis and MRSA. Wound closure was enhanced with birch and beech extracts as compared to controls in the scratch-assays. Whereas beneficial properties of birch bark components have previously been described, the similar effects of beech extracts are novel. The combined positive effect on wound-healing and antimicrobial activity has great potential for the treatment of various skin diseases, including acne in future dermal applications. |
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| Keywords: | antimicrobial activity bark extract birch beech larch wound healing |
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