A mechanistic perspective on the role of phytoconstituents-based pharmacotherapeutics and their topical formulations in chronic wound management

Abstract

Prolonged inflammation and infection are the major factors that promote chronicity of the wound. Despite the substantial advancements in therapeutic modalities, the treatment of chronic wounds still represents a major clinical challenge. Conventional remedies are associated with several complications like drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and serious side effects that need to be addressed. This necessitates the development of safe and alternative pro-healing agents for efficient wound repair. In this scenario, the application of phytoconstituents has garnered much attention due to their safety profile and cost-effectiveness. They enhance the wound repair process by modulating various signaling pathways like TGF-β, NFκB, Nrf2, MAPK, etc, and promote cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, angiogenesis, and inhibit inflammation. The topical route of drug administration is the most preferable method of drug delivery for the effective management of chronic wounds. Currently, much emphasis has been given to the formulation of different phytoconstituents-based topical delivery systems like hydrogels, films, foam, sponges, fibers, nanoformulations, etc. These topical formulations improve the pharmacokinetic and physicochemical features of phytoconstituents. The main emphasis of the present review is to discuss the therapeutic potential, pharmacological importance, and current clinical status of various phytoconstituents-based topical formulations as well as their associated molecular mechanisms in chronic wound management.