MEDICINAL PLANTS IN WOUND HEALING: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF PHYTOCHEMICALS, MECHANISMS, AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Mukul Rakse; Prashant Pachori; Tejram Basor; Jasvan Meena

doi:10.24092/CRPS.2026.160101

Mukul Rakse Department of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Madhya Pradesh, India
Prashant Pachori Department of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Madhya Pradesh, India
Tejram Basor Department of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Madhya Pradesh, India
Jasvan Meena Department of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand College of Pharmacy, Madhya Pradesh, India

DOI https://doi.org/10.24092/CRPS.2026.160101

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex and coordinated biological process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling. Delayed or impaired healing remains a significant challenge, particularly in chronic and infected wounds. Medicinal plants have attracted scientific interest as potential sources of natural wound-healing agents because of their diverse pharmacological activities and phytochemical composition. This review summarizes available scientific evidence on medicinal plants used in wound management, with emphasis on bioactive constituents and mechanisms of action. Flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds have been associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerative activities. These constituents may support fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, and wound contraction while reducing oxidative stress and excessive inflammation. Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, Centella asiatica, and Calendula officinalis have shown promising wound-healing properties in experimental and some clinical studies. Plant-based formulations and advanced wound-dressing systems are also being investigated. Further clinical studies, extract standardization, dose optimization, quality control, and safety evaluation are required for wider clinical use.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, wound healing, phytochemicals, herbal medicine, wound management, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, collagen synthesis

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