Polygonum aviculare L. and its active compounds, quercitrin hydrate, caffeic acid, and rutin, activate the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and induce cutaneous wound healing

Polygonum aviculare L. is a member of the Polygonaceae family of plants, which has been known for its antioxidant and anti‐obesity effects. However, the wound healing function of P .  aviculare extract has not been assessed. In this study, we identified a novel property of P .  aviculare extract as a Wnt/β‐catenin pathway activator based on a screen of 350 plant extracts using HEK293‐TOP cells retaining the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling reporter gene. P .  aviculare extract accelerated the migration of HaCaT keratinocytes without showing significant cytotoxicity. Moreover, P .  aviculare extract efficiently re‐epithelized wounds generated on mice. Additionally, ingredients of P .  aviculare extract, such as quercitrin hydrate, caffeic acid, and rutin, also accelerated the motility of HaCaT keratinocytes with the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Therefore, based on our findings, P .  aviculare extract and its active ingredients could be potential therapeutic agents for wound healing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.