Naturally Occurring Wound Healing Agents: An Evidence-Based Review

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Ethnobotany
• Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

• Nature has historically provided medicinal resources, with growing interest in naturally derived drugs.
• Wound and ulcer treatment, particularly for diabetic foot ulcers affecting millions globally, presents a significant healthcare challenge and economic burden.
• Effective wound management is critical due to rising chronic wound cases linked to aging populations and increased incidences of diabetes and obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review natural products, primarily plants, with scientifically validated wound healing properties.
• To focus on evidence from animal and clinical studies, as well as approved medicinal products for wound healing.
• To provide a comprehensive database for future research into novel wound healing agents.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of scientific articles on plant-based wound healing.
• Analysis of studies including in vitro, in vivo (animal), and clinical trials.
• Examination of ethnopharmacological data and approved medicinal products derived from natural sources.

Main Results:

• A significant number of natural products show in vitro and in vivo wound healing activity, with ethnopharmacology proving a successful drug development strategy.
• Despite extensive research, only a limited fraction of natural products advance to clinical trials and market approval.
• Currently, only a small percentage (6%) of plant species have been pharmacologically investigated, highlighting vast untapped potential.

Conclusions:

• Natural products, particularly plants, represent a valuable resource for developing novel wound healing therapies.
• Further research and technological advancements are essential to fully explore and harness nature's potential for drug discovery in wound management.
• This review serves as a foundational database to guide future investigations into effective wound healing agents from natural sources.