A Review of the Wound-Healing Properties of Selected Plant Exudates

Abstract

IntroductionRecent studies have confirmed the wound-healing activity of plant exudates (PEs) such as gums, gum resins, oleo-gum-resins, and latex. This study discusses traditional wound-healing formulations containing PEs and the wound-healing properties of selected PEs. MethodFour main Persian Medicine pharmacopoeias published between the 17th and 19th centuries were searched for wound-healing formulations containing PEs. The ingredients, preparation method, and proportion of exudate to base were extracted and analysed. Relevant studies in Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar were also searched and reviewed. Results and DiscussionsThe PEs were found to be dispersed in honey, oil, beeswax, or animal fat, with an optimal proportion of ingredients for achieving an optimised product. The healing mechanisms expressed in Persian Medicine texts were tissue expansion, tissue adhesion, anti-infection effects, desiccation, anti-inflammatory effects, and astringency. ConclusionsThese findings were consistent with those of current studies involving the use of PEs for treating wounds: PEs, as antimicrobial agents, increase fibroblast growth, collagen synthesis, and tissue granulation, leading to the contraction of wounds in a faster healing process. Further research into the wound-healing properties of PEs will, therefore, be beneficial to the pharmaceutical industry in developing for effective medicines for treating wounds.