The Potential Application of Natural Products in Cutaneous Wound Healing: A Review of Preclinical Evidence

The review examined the potential of natural products (NPs) in enhancing cutaneous wound healing, emphasizing their historical use and modern applications. NPs such as saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides were noted for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, aiding in wound healing stages like inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Specific NPs, including ginsenoside Rb1, astragaloside IV, and curcumin, were highlighted for promoting angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, and collagen synthesis. The review underscored the economic and therapeutic potential of NPs in treating non-healing wounds, affecting over 6.5 million people in the U.S. Despite their benefits, some NPs like aloe-emodin and comfrey had potential adverse effects, necessitating careful application. The review concluded that while individual NPs showed efficacy, further research into molecular mechanisms and potential toxicities was needed, with combination therapies being a promising area for future investigation.