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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Early Access

Potential of natural bioactives in wound healing: A comprehensive review

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.8055
Submitted
3 March 2025
Published
24-07-2025
Versions

Abstract

The wound healing process encompasses three key phases: inflammation, tissue regeneration and remodeling. Natural bioactive compounds have garnered significant interest due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which facilitate healing. Compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids and peptides aid wound repair by reducing oxidative stress, encouraging angiogenesis and stimulating cellular proliferation. Natural antimicrobials like honey and chitosan also play a vital role by preventing infections that commonly hinder healing. Bioactive-based wound dressing materials embedded with biologically active agents, including natural extracts, antimicrobials and growth factors, offer dual benefits: they protect while actively promoting healing. These dressings work by minimizing infection risk, modulating inflammation and enhancing tissue regeneration. Such innovations have demonstrated promise in managing chronic wounds and diabetic ulcers. Despite their potential, the clinical translation of bioactive-based therapies faces challenges, primarily concerning the stability and controlled release of active compounds. These limitations restrict their broader application. Emerging advancements in nanotechnology and biomaterials engineering are emerging as solutions to these challenges. By enabling targeted delivery, sustained release and improved bioavailability of natural bioactives, these technologies are set to significantly boost their therapeutic impact and reliability in modern wound care strategies.

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