Elucidation and valorization of the potent activity of Commiphora myrrha gum resin extract: antimicrobial and fibroblast wound healing activities

Abstract

This study investigated the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties of Commiphora myrrha (C. myrrha) resin extract and its solvent fractions. Using ethanol, methanol, hexane, and water as extraction solvents, the ethanolic extract exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, which was attributed to its ability to solubilize a broad range of bioactive compounds. Further fractionation revealed that the ethyl acetate sub-fraction had the highest antimicrobial efficacy, including a 23 mm inhibition zone against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis provided novel insights into microbial cell disruption, showing significant morphological alterations in Gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans, while Staphylococcus aureus exhibited minimal structural damage. The DPPH assay demonstrated potent antioxidant activity in the ethyl acetate fraction (IC₅₀: 0.92 mg/mL), indicating a strong radical-scavenging capacity. Solvent polarity was found to influence both antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, with ethyl acetate emerging as the optimal extraction solvent. The crude ethanolic extract showed moderate cytotoxicity toward human dermal fibroblasts (IC₅₀: 24.53 µg/mL) but promoted wound closure by 98.4% in vitro, suggesting its biocompatibility and regenerative potential. GC-MS profiling of the ethyl acetate fraction identified 70 compounds, including Benzofuran, Elemene, and Germacra-related sesquiterpenes, providing a chemical basis for the observed biological effects. This is the first study to comprehensively link the ethyl acetate fraction of C. myrrha to both antimicrobial and wound-healing activity, supporting its development as a multifunctional therapeutic agent. The results validate its traditional use and highlight its potential in modern pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.