Wound healing process is known as interdependent cellular and biochemical stages which are in trying to improve the wound. Wound healing can be defined as stages which is done by body and delayed in wound healing increases chance of microbial infection. Improved wound healing process can be performed by shortening the time needed for healing or lowering the inappropriate happens. The drugs were locally or systemically administrated in order to help wound healing. Antibiotics, antiseptics, de sloughing agents, extracts, etc. have been used in order to wound healing. Some synthetic drugs are faced with limitations because of their side effects. Plants or combinations derived from plants are needed to investigate identify and formulate for treatment and management of wound healing. There is increasing interest to use the medicinal plants in wound healing because of lower side effects and management of wounds over the years. Studies have shown that medicinal plants improve wound healing in diabetic, infected and opened wounds. The different mechanisms have been reported to improve the wound healing by medicinal plants. In this chapter, some medicinal plants and the reported mechanisms will be discussed.
1. Introduction
Wound healing is defined as a collection of complex process which comprises different compounds including soluble mediators, blood cells, extracellular matrix, and parenthetical cells . Wound healing is divided into stages including inflammation process, tissue formation, and tissue remodeling. The inflammatory phase involves different stages such as platelet accumulation, coagulation, and leukocyte migration. Re-recapitalization, angiogenesis, fibroplasia, and wound contraction are stages for tissue formation. Remodeling phase may be lasted for 1 month, and the dermis may respond to injury with the production of collagen and matrix proteins and then returns to its pre-injury phenotype .
The different treatments are used in order to treat the wound healing. The different treatments have locally and systemically been used in order to help wound healing. The different agents are used in order to wound healing including antibiotics and antiseptics, de sloughing agents (chemical debridement, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, eusol and collagenase ointment, wound healing promoters, some substances such as tissue extracts, vitamins, and minerals and a number of plant products . Medicinal plants heal wound healing process by promoting blood clotting, fighting against infection and accelerating wound healing. It can be stated plants and chemical agents obtained from plants improve treatment and manage wound healing . Medicinal plants show wound healing effects by the different mechanisms, such as modulation in wound healing, decreasing bacterial count, improving collagen deposition, increasing fibroblasts and fibrocytes, etc. In this chapter, we will describe different mechanisms in medicinal plants.
Plants That Aid in the Wound Healing Process
Goldenrod has proven to be an effective supplement in wound healing. When dealing with any wound, you should always follow a regimen outlined by your…
When dealing with any wound, you should always follow a regimen outlined by your physician. However, there are a number of supplemental strategies that help bolster the wound care process. For instance, certain vitamins and minerals can maximize your body’s wound healing mechanisms. That includes vitamin A, which is rich in tissue-building collagen, and vitamin D, perfect for fighting off infection.
But did you know that alongside vitamin and minerals, certain herbal options can be a great addition to any wound care plan? A 2012 review in the Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery noted that when combined with traditional treatments, herbs and plants can improve most wound therapies. Here are a few examples of the most effective herbal wound healing remedies available:
1. Yarrow
As the University of Maryland Medical Center pointed out, yarrow, a flower similar to chrysanthemums, has been used as a medicinal treatment since the time of the ancient Greeks. Yarrow has been widely used to treat digestive problems due to its heavy concentration of flavonoids, or specialized pigments. However, several studies have proven that yarrow can be used to treat wounds, including moderate burns. A 2007 study in the Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances found that yarrow helped improve both the appearance and contraction rate of burn wounds in rabbits. The UMM noted that yarrow has a few possible interactions, including blood pressure medication, lithium and blood thinners.
2. Goldenrod
Much like yarrow, goldenrod – a bright yellow flowering plant – has a long and storied history as a medicinal cure, according to the UMM. In the past, goldenrod has been given to people with diabetes, tuberculosis, gout, asthma and hemorrhoids. However, it’s also been used for bleeding issues, and rightfully so. The 2009 book “Continence: Current Concepts and Treatment Strategies” explained that goldenrod has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities. That could be due to the presence of both flavonoids and saponin, a soap-like chemical that turns into a foam. Goldenrod is most commonly used in a special mouthwash, which helps to treat inflammation associated with pharyngitis (sore throat).
3. Calendula
Though the plant looks almost identical to marigold flowers, calendula has far more medicinal applications than its counterpart, according to the UMM. Though it hasn’t been used as long as yarrow or goldenrod, calendula is regularly implemented to treat ulcers, menstrual cramps and skin problems. And because it also contains plenty of flavonoids, calendula has become a popular supplement for wound care regimens. Researchers believe calendula can increase blood flow, which heals wounds faster and lets tissue develop for efficiently. The flavonoids are also effective at combating viruses and bacteria, which make them especially valuable.