Prenylated Flavonoids in Topical Infections and Wound Healing

Abstract

The review presents prenylated flavonoids as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of topical skin infections and wounds, as they can restore the balance in the wound microenvironment. A thorough two-stage search of scientific papers published between 2000 and 2022 was conducted, with independent assessment of results by two reviewers. The main criteria were an MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of up to 32 µg/mL, a microdilution/macrodilution broth method according to CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) or EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing), pathogens responsible for skin infections, and additional antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and low cytotoxic effects. A total of 127 structurally diverse flavonoids showed promising antimicrobial activity against pathogens affecting wound healing, predominantly Staphylococcus aureus strains, but only artocarpin, diplacone, isobavachalcone, licochalcone A, sophoraflavanone G, and xanthohumol showed multiple activity, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory along with low cytotoxicity important for wound healing. Although prenylated flavonoids appear to be promising in wound therapy of humans, and also animals, their activity was measured only in vitro and in vivo. Future studies are, therefore, needed to establish rational dosing according to MIC and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) values, test potential toxicity to human cells, measure healing kinetics, and consider formulation in smart drug release systems and/or delivery technologies to increase their bioavailability.

Antioxidant status in the blood, liver, and muscle tissue of turkey hens receiving a diet with alfalfa protein concentrate

“…This makes it possible to inhibit enzymes associated with free radical formation, such as lipooxygenase, cyclooxygenase, and xanthine oxygenase. This is confirmed by Sychrová et al (2022) who showed that the presence of flavonoids in the diet may enhance the functioning of the antioxidant system, resulting in a reduction in MDA and LOOH, which are biomarkers of endogenous lipid peroxidation and radical-induced damage. Supported by exogenous antioxidants, the endogenous antioxidant system can compensate for excessive production of lipid peroxides and protect against the consequences of oxidative stress.…”

Therapeutic Potential of Flavonoids and Tannins in Management of Oral Infectious Diseases—A Review

“…Some flavonoids comprise lipophilic chain or chains of varying lengths in their molecule. These prenylated flavonoids revealed a very good antibacterial effect against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria [52]. Furthermore, the prenyl group can react with the adjacent OH groups to form a heterocyclic ring.…”

Synergistic Effect of Sophora japonica and Glycyrrhiza glabra Flavonoid-Rich Fractions on Wound Healing: In Vivo and Molecular Docking Studies

“…Aloe vera [ 8 ], Calendula officinal [ 9 ], curcumin [ 10 ] and essential oils represent prominent examples with great contributions in one or more stages of the process of wound healing [ 1 , 11 ]. The efficacy of the different medicinal plants in wound healing could be related to the different classes of the secondary metabolites biosynthesised by medicinal plants, including triterpenoids, sterols (anti-inflammatory), flavonoids, polyphenolics (antioxidants), alkaloids (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory) and/or essential oils (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory) [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”