The Role of Stem Cell Polyphenols in Wound Healing: A Narrative Review

Stem cell polyphenols represent a promising avenue for enhancing wound healing through their multifaceted biological activities. Polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds with potent antioxidant properties, can modulate inflammatory responses, reduce oxidative stress, and promote the proliferation and migration of essential cells involved in tissue repair, such as fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Additionally, they play a critical role in angiogenesis, facilitating improved blood supply to healing tissues. Research indicates that the synergistic use of polyphenols with stem cell therapies could further optimize wound healing outcomes by enhancing stem cell function and survival. As conventional skin disease treatments, primarily corticosteroids, often provide only temporary relief and come with significant side effects, there is increasing interest in stem cell therapies for skin conditions. Stem cells have shown positive outcomes in treating eczema, psoriasis, diabetic wounds, and burns, utilizing both animal and plant stem cell products. However, plant-derived stem cells and natural products, including phytochemicals like resveratrol and curcumin, are preferred due to their reduced side effects and sustainability. These natural compounds aid all stages of wound healing by modulating signaling pathways associated with skin repair and regeneration, thereby minimizing residual wound effects. This review explores the effectiveness of specific natural products and introduces plant derivatives, including plant stem cells and cytokines, highlighting their potential in advancing therapeutic strategies for improved wound healing and skin regeneration. Further clinical investigations are needed to elucidate the optimal types and dosages of polyphenols for clinical applications in regenerative medicine.