Crosstalk between oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways: Natural therapeutic approaches for diabetic wound healing

Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely interrelated processes that are pivotal to the impaired wound healing associated with diabetes. Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetic patients induces excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which triggers heightened inflammatory responses. The resulting inflammation exacerbates oxidative damage, delays wound closure, and intensifies tissue injury, thereby creating a detrimental cycle that disrupts normal wound healing. Recent research has increasingly focused on the therapeutic potential of natural products in modulating oxidative stress and inflammation to enhance diabetic wound healing. Natural compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids, have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing oxidative damage and modulating inflammatory pathways. These bioactive agents exhibit potent antioxidant activity by scavenging ROS and enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses while concurrently inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, natural therapies have been shown to promote angiogenesis, enhance collagen synthesis, and improve fibroblast function, further facilitating wound repair. This review provides insights into the complex interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic wound healing and evaluates the therapeutic potential of natural products as adjunctive treatments. Further clinical investigations are essential to validate the efficacy and safety of these natural interventions for diabetic wound management.