Endophytic Fungi as a Promising Source of Bioactive Compounds for Wound Healing: A Systematic Review

Endophytic fungi (EF) inhabit internal plant tissue in a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with their host plant. EF synthesizes metabolites that are structurally similar or identical to those found in their host plants, which include alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and organic acids. These molecules have promising therapeutic effects, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. Wound healing has earned attention in recent years because of its relation to chronic pathological diseases. This systematic review scanned the available scientific literature database about the wound-healing properties of EF biomolecules. Amongst 994 works, 24 were screened after abstract and full-text reading. The studies were published between 2014 and 2026, in twelve countries. In total, 16 studies presented in vivo assays, 11 studies presented in vitro assays, and 3 studies presented both assays. Most studies identified molecules, which include melanin, benzoic acid, terpenes, sesquiterpenes (purpurolide), extracellular polysaccharides, exopolysaccharides, carotenoids, fatty acids, proteins, pyrones, quinones, and hydrocarbon acids, among others. A meta-analysis was not conducted due to high heterogeneity across extracts, methodologies, and outcomes. All studies showed wound-healing properties from EF extracts. The findings suggest a positive effect of EF extracts on wound-healing properties and the need for standardized in vitro and in vivo protocols.