**7. Conclusions**

*Hypericum perforatum* (Family: *Hypericaceae*). Under its traditional names St. John's Wort, this plant has a long history of safe and effective use as part of various folk and herbal remedies. With proven anti-inflammatory [39], antiseptic [161], analgesic, astringent and antibacterial activities [43], it seems an ideal candidate for use in wound treatment. The latter has been confirmed also in different studies, which include its healing promoting action, when used externally on minor wounds [162], as well as through the positive effects of *Hypericum perforatum* tincture on epithelization, an increase in the wound contraction rate and an improved

*Jasminum auriculatum* (Family: *Oleaceae*). The juice of the leaves of *Jasminum auriculatum* was found to promote wound healing through improved tensile strength in the early phase of

*Pterocarpus santalinus* (Family: *Fabaceae*). The wood of the red sanders possesses astringent and tonic properties. Ethanolic extract of the leaf and stem bark of *Pterocarpus santalinus* has demonstrated significant decrease in the period of epithelialisation, an increase: in the rate of wound contraction, the extent of collagenation, in the skin breaking strength, of the granula-

*Rosmarinus officinalis* (Family: *Lamiaceae*). Rosemary is used for wound treatment. It reduces inflammation and enhances wound contraction, re-epithelization, and regeneration of granu-

*Tridax procumbens* (Family: *Asteraceae*). The juice of *Tridax procumbens* promotes wound healing by accelerating epithelization and collagenization, resulting in the retardation of scar for-

There are many challenges in relation to the potential future use phytochemicals in wound treatment. These are not the same as in the case of use of phytochemicals for other indications, but are still related to the respective compound/extract solubility, biocompatibility with the respective cells of the targeted tissue (in this case the skin with all its components), as well as the lack of preclinical and clinical studies related to its safety and efficiency testing. Poor bioavailability, which is often a limiting factor in the use of phytochemical for other purpose, is mostly not relevant for the case of wound treatment, where were mostly a local activity is enough. Of course, a successful elucidation of molecular targets and mechanisms of phytochemicals is the target for future research. Extensive knowledge about the preclinical performance of extracts, isolated and specific compounds is a prerequisite for successful pre-formulation studies and development of effective materials and prototype products with

**Figure 5** presents a summary of plants with proven beneficial effect on wound healing.

healing [164] and due to acceleration of mucopolysaccharide accumulation [165].

tion tissue dry weight, and of the hydroxyproline content [38].

lation tissue, angiogenesis and collagen deposition [40].

a high possibility to reach the patient in the near future.

mation and granulation [166].

**6. Outlook and future development**

granulation tissue breaking strength [163].

138 Herbal Medicine

Various plants produce secondary metabolites and other products that have beneficial effects on wound healing, including the enhancement of the skins natural repair mechanisms. Due to the possibility to produce different plant preparations for topical use, these have a huge potential in future therapeutic approach in wound care. Recent developments of novel extraction technologies, newly found knowledge about traditional use of various plants, as well as our steadily improving knowledge about wound healing physiology importantly contribute to the popularization of studies of herbs and herbal materials from the physiological and therapeutic point of view. This in turn contributes also to a steadily increasing number of herbal products for wound treatment. Considering also the increasing number of clinical studies related to the safety and therapeutic efficacy of herbal products, many more herbs have a bright future either in curative or preventative uses in wound healing. Based on our present knowledge, future studies should aim at the isolation and identification of specific active substances from plant extracts, which could also disclose compounds with better therapeutic value. Finally, the combination of traditional and modern knowledge seems to be the best approach to produce novel effective therapeutic interventions for wound healing with a significantly improved treatment efficacy, lowered side effects and costs.
