Natural Products from the Mediterranean Area as Wound Healing Agents-In Vitro Studies: A Systematic Review

Wound healing is a process that happens when lost tissue replenishes. For this process, both protective elements and wound healing accelerating factors are required. In recent years, the search for natural products that promote faster healing and prevent adverse effects has gained momentum. This is a systematic review, adhering to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria, of the wound healing effects of natural products, with a focus on natural products from the Mediterranean region. This study sourced the PubMed and Scopus databases for eligible articles and publications over the last six years. Due to the information volume, only the in vitro studies were included in this review. The criteria set concluded in the 28 studies included. These studies showed that many natural products found in the Mediterranean have been studied for the treatment of wounds. The wound healing effect seems to be related to dose, type of wounded tissue, and application time. Moreover, half of the studies were additionally tested and shown antioxidant activity through DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays.