MEDICINAL PLANTS AND BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS: TRADITIONAL AND MODERN APPROACHES TO WOUND HEALING

Wound healing is a complex biological process crucial for tissue restoration, and its disruption, especially in chronic wounds, poses significant global health challenges. Medicinal plants have been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine to promote wound healing, offering a viable alternative to synthetic treatments. This review explores both traditional and modern approaches to wound healing using medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. These compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, playing key roles in reducing inflammation, promoting tissue regeneration, and accelerating wound closure. Modern advancements, including nanotechnology, have further enhanced the therapeutic potential of plant-based treatments by improving bioavailability and targeted delivery. Despite the promising benefits, challenges remain in the standardization, dosage, and regulatory aspects of herbal therapies. The integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific innovations offers a comprehensive strategy for effective wound care, particularly for chronic wounds.