Sandalwood oil enhanced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and promoted wound healing

Sandalwood oil is an essential oil obtained from the steam distillation from the heartwood of the sandalwood (Santalum album) tree. Sandalwood oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics, and medicines. Recently, sandalwood oil was reported to act suppressing inflammatory reaction, and promoting apoptosis and cell proliferation. In this study, we found that sandalwood oil induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in keratinocytes, however mechanism of action of EMT is still remained unclear. Firstly, we investigated EMT-related gene expression at 4, 8 h after sandalwood oil treated human normal epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) by real-time PCR analysis. The expression of EMT-related transcription factors (snail, twist) and mesenchymal factor (vimentin) were enhanced by sandalwood oil in cultured keratinocytes. Secondly, we assessed wound scratch assay with NHEK in sandalwood oil or control. Sandalwood oil stimulation promoted epidermal wound healing compared with control. In addition, we performed cutaneous wound healing assay using 8-mm round wounds on the backs and applied sandalwood oils or vehicle control. Taken together, our results suggest that sandalwood oil enhanced EMT and promoted wound healing in keratinocytes.