A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Topical Bioactive Plant Extracts in Burn Wound Healing Using Clinical and Preclinical Evidence
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Bioactive Plant Extracts, Burn Wound Preclinical Evidence, Systematic Review
Abstract
All burns, regardless of type (thermal, chemical, electrical, radiation) and severity, should be carefully evaluated and reviewed in the recommended systematic evaluation. Bioactive plant extracts as topical products may be useful in this regard. These are the goals: To find out if plant extracts improve biomarkers (as IL-6, VEFG, collagen deposition and infection/scar severity/time to healing) and other important outcomes. The apparent mechanisms of action (anti-inflammatory effects, antibacterial and angiogenic effects) must be clarified. This review will focus on well-researched extracts from plants: Aloe Vera, Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, Calendula officinalis, Hippophae rhamnoides and Betula pendula, which have been demonstrated to be useful and practical in burn management. In the light of this extensive study, the healing rate of superficial and partial thickness burns could be reduced and the healing process accelerated, pain could be mitigated and scar quality could be enhanced using bioactive plant extracts from plants such as Aloe vera, Centella asiatica and Curcuma longa. Further research is needed, however, due to the heterogeneity and a scarcity of data regarding extensive burning and a need for large-scale RCTs. Standardised formulations, innovative delivery methods like hydrogels, and follow-up studies to find out the long-term effects could increase the clinical results of burn patients, decrease the socioeconomic cost of burn care, and speed up the clinical adoption of plant-based therapies.
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