Fuente: Polymers Polymers, Vol. 18, Pages 1330: Polysaccharides from the Peel of Hylocereus undatus Promote Wound Healing by Reshaping the Skin Microbiome and Regulating Immune Balance
Polymers doi: 10.3390/polym18111330
Authors:
Tao Zhou
Yunhua He
Ahluk Liew
Min Wang
Kit-Leong Cheong

Polysaccharides isolated from the peel of Hylocereus undatus exhibit promising anti-inflammatory activity; however, the underlying mechanisms—particularly their modulatory effects on cutaneous microbiota composition and host immune responses—remain incompletely characterized. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of polysaccharides isolated from the peel of Hylocereus undatus in the management of inflammatory cutaneous wounds. The polysaccharide extracted from the peel of Hylocereus undatus via ultrasound-assisted extraction is an acidic heteropolysaccharide, with galacturonic acid and rhamnose as its dominant monosaccharide components. It exhibits low crystallinity, a porous structure, and good thermal stability. In a mouse wound model, treatment with the polysaccharide extracted from the peel of Hylocereus undatus significantly accelerated wound closure as early as day 3 (** p < 0.01). By day 9, the wound closure rate approached that of the positive control group and remained significantly higher than that of the untreated group (** p < 0.01), exceeding 90%. Treatment with the polysaccharide advanced the inflammatory peak, as evidenced by elevated anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) and suppression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed that polysaccharide promoted cell proliferation and neovascularization at the wound site. In conclusion, polysaccharides isolated from the peel of Hylocereus undatus accelerate skin wound healing by modulating the skin microbiota, enhancing the anti-inflammatory response, and promoting tissue regeneration, highlighting its potential as a natural wound dressing.