Purpose of review: Botanicals have long played a crucial role in the management of chronic and infected wounds, yet the mechanistic basis of these therapies remains largely poorly understood by modern science.
Recent findings: Studies have begun to unveil the mechanistic bases of botanical therapies for wound healing, but more work is necessary. Most notably, investigation into the growing conditions, postharvest treatment and pharmacological preparation of these botanicals has demonstrated their importance in terms of the chemical makeup and pharmacological activity of the final product used in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Summary: This work evaluates the potential safety, efficacy and mechanistic basis of some key botanical ingredients used in traditional medicine for wound care: aloe, marigold and St. John's wort. Furthermore, perspectives on the future role that botanical natural products may play in anti-infective and wound care innovations are explored.
Keywords: Wounds; botanicals; complementary medicine; infection; medicinal plants; wound healing.