The potential application of natural products in cutaneous wound healing: A review of preclinical evidence

Abstract

Under normal circumstances, wound healing can be summarized as three processes. These include inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The vast majority of wounds heal rapidly; however, a large percentage of nonhealing wounds have still not been studied significantly. The factors affecting wound nonhealing are complex and diverse, and identifying an effective solution from nature becomes a key goal of research. This study aimed to highlight and review the mechanisms and targets of natural products (NPs) for treating nonhealing wounds. The results of relevant studies have shown that the effects of NPs are associated with PI3K-AKT, P38MAPK, fibroblast growth factor, MAPK, and ERK signaling pathways and involve tumor growth factor (TNF), vascular endothelial growth factor, TNF-α, interleukin-1β, and expression of other cytokines and proteins. The 25 NPs that contribute to wound healing were systematically summarized by an inductive collation of the six major classes of compounds, including saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids, anthraquinones, polysaccharides, and others, which will further direct the attention to the active components of NPs and provide research ideas for further development of new products for wound healing.

Ethanol extract of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza mangrove leaves and propolis activity on macroscopic healing of cuts in vivo

“…Tannins can reduce mucosal permeability, thereby preventing bleeding and infection, promoting the formation of fibroblasts and capillary blood vessels, and inhibiting the permeability of bacteria [17]. Saponins can stimulate the formation of collagen and have antiseptic and antibacterial properties [18,19].…”

Kampo herbal ointments for skin wound healing

“…Because of its protective role on keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen, or elastin, it is a well-known anti-aging compound in the cosmetic industry ( Zduńska et al, 2018 ). Moreover, ferulic acid is particularly beneficial for chronic wounds and diabetic ulcers ( Liu et al, 2022 ). Its effects, whether oral or topical, were tested on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using the excision wound model.…”

“…Thanks to the regulation and activation of the wound healing mechanisms surrounding the fibroblasts which are observed in vivo after per os treatment in experimentally induced hyperglycemic animals. The favorable factors observed included better wound edge cohesion, a smaller wound area, and a shorter time to reach re-epithelialization after wound induction ( Liu et al, 2022 ).…”

Honey and propolis for wound healing

“…Collagen formation: With topical honey dressing, the low pH could help to create and maintain optimal conditions for fibroblasts activities, such as migration and the organization of collagen where, honey 77 and propolis 2,10 increases migration and proliferation of fibroblasts to the wound enhancing collagen types I and III expression and degradation in wounds matrix. 64 As flavonoids can promote the synthesis of collagen, 2 the fibroblasts that are responsible for the replacement of fibrin clot with scar tissue, slowing the angiogenesis and changing the collagen composition 78 resulting in favorable biochemical environment leading to re-epithelization. In addition to their role in extracellular matrix production and scar tissue formation, fibroblasts release cytokines to provide regulatory control over immune cell function.…”