Phytochemical Interventions in Wound Healing Mechanics
Summary
Phytochemical interventions harness bioactive plant-derived compounds to modulate the complex cascade of wound repair, spanning haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodelling. Key classes include polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids and polysaccharides, which exert anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions, enhance angiogenesis and regulate extracellular matrix deposition. By targeting cellular actors such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts, phytochemicals promote re-epithelialisation, collagen synthesis and neovascularisation. Emerging delivery systems—nanoemulsions, bioadhesive nanoparticles and 3D-printed scaffolds—improve solubility, bioavailability and local retention of these compounds. Beyond superficial skin injuries, phytochemical formulations show promise in chronic or infected wounds, diabetic ulcers and inherited blistering disorders. Mechanistic studies reveal modulation of signalling pathways (MAPK, YAP/TAZ, HIF-1α), transient upregulation of growth factors and cytokines, and attenuation of microbial biofilms. As resistance to conventional antimicrobials rises, these natural interventions offer a complementary strategy for accelerating healing while minimising adverse effects. The global significance of affordable, plant-based therapeutics underscores their potential to transform wound care in diverse healthcare settings.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Recent studies have employed bioassay-guided fractionation to isolate naphthoquinone derivatives from a cyclohexane extract of Onosma dichroantha roots. Active fractions enriched in acetylshikonin and deoxyshikonin demonstrated marked enhancement of keratinocyte proliferation, migration and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Sequential subfractionation pinpointed specific shikonin analogues as drivers of these effects, highlighting their potential as lead compounds for in vivo evaluation. This work elucidates the phytochemical composition underlying traditional wound-healing claims and establishes a framework for the rational development of targeted natural therapeutics.
Phytochemical Interventions in Wound Healing Mechanics publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical interventions in wound healing mechanics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Angiogenesis: Formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, critical for supplying nutrients and oxygen to healing tissue.
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT): Biological process in which epithelial cells acquire migratory mesenchymal properties, facilitating re-epithelialisation.
Biofilm: Structured community of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced matrix that impedes antimicrobial penetration.
Naphthoquinone derivatives: Organic compounds characterised by a quinone core, known for anti-inflammatory and pro-healing activities.
Keratinocyte migration: Movement of epidermal cells to cover a wound bed, essential for restoration of the skin barrier.
References
- Kick-Starting Wound Healing: A Review of Pro-Healing Drugs. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
- PLA-HPG based coating enhanced anti-biofilm and wound healing of Shikonin in MRSA-infected burn wound. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2023).
- In vitro wound healing potential of cyclohexane extract of Onosma dichroantha Boiss. based on bioassay-guided fractionation. Scientific Reports (2023).
- Astragalus polysaccharide‐containing 3D‐printed scaffold for traumatized skin repair and proteomic study. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (2024).
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