Potential of plant secondary metabolite-based polymers to enhance wound healing

There is a global epidemic of non-healing wounds. Chronic inflammation, overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and bacterial infection are implicated in delayed wound healing. Natural extracts are a rich source of bioactive molecules called plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) that include terpenes and phenols. These molecules may facilitate wound healing through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activity. After briefly outlining the process of wound healing and how it is compromised in chronic wounds, this review focuses on investigating how PSMs-based polymers may improve wound healing. Best methods for incorporating PSMs into wound dressings are reviewed and critically compared. The exiting body of literature strongly suggests that PSMs-based polymers incorporated into wound dressings could have clinical value in aiding wound healing. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Chronic wounds develop by the persistence of inflammation, oxidative stress and infection. Chronic wounds affect the worldwide population, by reducing quality of life of patients with significant cost to healthcare systems. To help chronic wounds to heal and overcome this burden, materials with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties are required. Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are volatile materials that have all these properties. PSMs-based polymers can be fabricated by polymerization techniques. The present review provides an overview of the state-of-the-art of the wound healing mechanisms of PSMs. Current developments in the field of PSMs-based polymers are reviewed and their potential use as wound dressings is also covered.