Effect of Topical Administration of Fractions and Isolated Molecules from Plant Extracts on Skin Wound Healing: A Systematic Review of Murine Experimental Models

Abstract

Background and Purpose. Skin wound healing is a dynamic process driven by molecular events responsible for the morphofunctional repair of the injured tissue. In a systematic review, we analyzed the relevance of plant fractions and isolates on skin wound healing. By revising preclinical investigations with murine models, we investigated if the current evidence could support clinical trials. Methods. Studies were selected in the MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus databases according to the PRISMA statement. All 32 identified studies were submitted to data extraction and the methodological bias was investigated according to ARRIVE strategy. Results. The studies demonstrated that plant fractions and isolates are able to modulate the inflammatory process during skin wound healing, being also effective in attenuating the oxidative tissue damage in the scar tissue and stimulating cell proliferation, neoangiogenesis, collagen synthesis, granulation tissue expansion, reepithelialization, and the wound closure rate. However, we identified serious methodological flaws in all studies, such as the high level of reporting bias and absence of standardized experimental designs, analytical methods, and outcome measures. Conclusion. Considering these limitations, the current evidence generated from flawed methodological animal studies makes it difficult to determine the relevance of herbal medicines to treat skin wounds and derails conducting clinical studies.

Wound healing by topical application of Momordica charantia L. formulations on mice

“…However, wound healing medications remain unsatisfactory due to its high cost, low availability, limited efficacy, and various side effects [9]. Medicinal plants are widely used in folk medicine and many researchers have reported improvement in wound healing process by various plant extracts and isolated compounds; which, has provided healing wounds products more affordable with greater safety against hypersensitive reactions compared to synthetic pharmaceutical agents [10,11]. Momordica charantia L., belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is commonly known as bitter melon [12], karela, balsam pear, and bitter gourd.…”

The effect of earthworm extract on promoting skin wound healing

“…The skin wound healing is a dynamic and complex biological process that involves hemostasis, inflammation, granulation, proliferation, production of matrix, and remodeling [ 3 , 4 ]. Poor skin wound healing represents a serious health problem worldwide, frequently associated with high costs and inefficient treatments [ 5 ]. In the recent years, great efforts have been made to look for naturally occurring active components that are capable healing skin wounds and other diseases.…”

Wound healing activity of Tropaeolum tuberosum-based topical formulations in mice

“…Cutaneous wounds are a serious health problem worldwide and are frequently associated with high costs and ineffective treatments [1,2]. They are characterized by a disruption of the cellular and structural integrity of skin tissue layers [3,4], caused by physical, chemical, thermal, microbial, or immunological damage to tissues [5,6].…”

“…Using medicinal plants and phytotherapeutics are a new strategy for treating burns, cuts, and wounds [1,17]. Phytocompounds or secondary medicinal plant metabolites have an important role in wound healing as they promote natural tissue repair [5,18,19].…”