Harnessing traditional chinese medicine for wound healing and modern wound models: An overview

Introduction

This study delves into the intricate dynamics of wound healing, emphasizing the critical role of various wound healing models in advancing therapeutic interventions and the use of various Chinese medicines used in wound treatment. These models, ranging from abrasions to incision and dead space wound models, provide invaluable insights into chronic wounds like venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify studies published between 1994 and 2023 on the use of Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) in wound healing. A total of 196 articles were retrieved, of which 161 were selected based on relevance, experimental evidence, and mechanistic insights. The review emphasizes TCM-based formulations evaluated in in vivo, in vitro, and preclinical models, with a focus on their therapeutic roles and underlying molecular pathways in skin repair and regeneration.

Results

Animal models, despite not perfectly replicating human chronic wounds, have been instrumental in studying wound healing mechanisms, particularly the inflammatory phase and factors like bacterial biofilms. The exploration of apoptosis and extracellular matrix alterations within these models sheds light on crucial cellular and molecular events essential for wound closure. Additionally, the article discusses models for burn wounds, skin aging, blister wounds, and back punch wounds, highlighting their significance in understanding wound pathophysiology and testing treatment efficacy. Furthermore, traditional remedies like Shiunko and Wuwei Xiaodu Yin are explored for their therapeutic properties in promoting granulation tissue formation, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Conclusion

Overall, the study underscores the importance of these diverse wound healing models in unraveling the complexities of tissue repair and guiding the development of effective treatments for various types of wounds using Chinese medicine.

Significance statement

This article highlights the critical role of diverse wound healing models in advancing therapeutic interventions, particularly in studying chronic wounds and evaluating the efficacy of Chinese medicinal plant-based treatments. This study provides insights into wound pathophysiology, inflammation, and tissue repair mechanisms by analyzing various models, including burns, abrasions, and incisions, emphasizing the potential of traditional remedies like Shiunko and Wuwei Xiaodu Yin in promoting wound healing.