Signal transduction in wound healing: The effects of plant-derived biologically active substances

Abstract

Wounds are among the most common skin diseases. They are formed after tissue injury and result in severe damage to the epidermis. The application of plants for wound healing is not only a cheap and accessible way of treatment, but also provides a reliable natural resource of medicinal substances with fewer side effects. Biologically active substances such as alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds demonstrate a wide spectrum of action: wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant effects. This review article examines the chemical composition of three plants - Calendula officinalis, Marrubium vulgare, Vitis vinifera and the signal transduction in skin wound healing. Studies have shown that they have a strong antioxidant effect, hemostatic activity, powerful vasoconstrictor effect, pro-angiogenic and cell-protective effects. Because of the mentioned benefits of these plants, more scientific research and well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish their wider use in wound treating medicaments.