Oleanolic acid is a compound obtained from olive tree leaf. It is able to activate important molecular routes for the migration of cells of the edge of a wound and it accelerates its close as concluded by a recent study, published in Plos One and carried out by scientist from the Murcian Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIB) – Arrixaca.

The team, coordinated by Francisco J. Nicolas, is composed by professors of the UMU: Maria Ruzafa, Antonio Jesus Ramos and David Armero, and the researchers Angel Bernabe and Sergio Liarte from IMIB University Hospital from Arrixaca. Mr. David Armero, one of the members of the research team and, currently, dean of the Nursing School of the University of Murcia (UMU) has commented that this research has allowed to ascertain where the oleanolic acid must be applied inside the cell to exert its action (this has not been described until now). Knowing this exact place allows researchers to know the chemical form so that the product has more effect.

In this way, the research team has described for the first time the mechanism some plant extracts use to be able to promote and improve wound healing, oleanolic acid induces the migration in epithelial cells Mv1Lu and MDA-MB-231 which involves the EFG receptor and MAP kinase activation.

This study will help to optimize the close of skin wounds in general and chronic wounds in particular, such as diabetic foot or pressure ulcers, which affect 1% of the population, representing their treatment and that of their complications up to 3% of the total health expenditure and could lead to the study of specific drugs.

However, researchers point out that, at the moment, this is “basic” and “in vitro” research, with cell cultures, and there is still much left for its practical application as a drug. They are currently seeking funding for the development of their research process and during 2018, thanks to the funding granted by the Central Government, they will start working with animal cells.