Effect of Erica australis extract on Caco-2 cells, fibroblasts and selected pathogenic bacteria responsible for wound infection

• Erica australis L. increases metabolic rate in fibroblasts.
• Erica australis L. possesses antiproliferative capabilities against Caco-2 cells.
• Different Erica australis L. extracts possess different antibacterial properties.
• Erica australis L. has the potential to be used as wound healing agent.

Plants from the genus Erica are used in many countries to treat several ailments. In this work we intend to evaluate the potential in vivo benefits of Erica australis L. by testing in vitro the effect induced by the plant extract when in contact with BJ fibroblasts (3 and 6 h) and Caco-2 cells (3, 6 and 24 h). Effects on five pathogenic microorganisms (Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) were also determined. It was found that the extracts enhanced fibroblast proliferation (maximum of 484% of control at 6 h exposure) while Caco-2 cells viability was reduced in a concentration and time dependent manner (minimum of 22.3% of control at 24 h exposure). Antimicrobial effects were also detected, with differences registered among the plant parts and solvent used, with the lowest minimum concentration for diffusion inhibition (MCDI) of 1 mg/mL. Results obtained with the fibroblasts and bacteria strongly show that this plant has potential to be used in wound healing as a stimulant of fibroblast growth and disinfection, as well as an antibiotic. Results obtained with Caco-2 cells indicate this plant also has some potential for and application as anticancer agent.