Use of Some Asteraceae Plants for the Treatment of Wounds: From Ethnopharmacological Studies to Scientific Evidences

Abstract

Severe wounds result in large lesions and/or loss of function of the affected areas. The treatment of wounds has challenged health professionals due to its complexity, especially in patients with chronic diseases (such as diabetes), and the presence of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Taking this into consideration, the development of new therapies for wound healing requires immediate attention. Ethnopharmacological studies performed in different countries have shown the use of several plants from the Asteraceae family as wound-healing agents. Evidences gained from the traditional medicine have opened new ways for the development of novel and more efficient therapies based on the pharmacological properties of these plants. In this article, we discuss the literature data on the use of Asteraceae plants for the treatment of wounds, based on the ethnopharmacological relevance of each plant. Special attention was given to studies showing the mechanisms of action of Asteraceae-derived compounds and clinical trials. Ageratina pichinchensis (Kunth) R.M. King and H. Rob. and Calendula officinalis L. preparations/compounds were found to show good efficacy when assessed in clinical trials of complicated wounds, including venous leg ulcers and foot ulcers of diabetic patients. The compounds silibinin [from Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.] and jaceosidin (from Artemisia princeps Pamp.) were identified as promising compounds for the treatment of wounds. Overall, we suggest that Asteraceae plants represent important sources of compounds that may act as new and efficient healing products.

Exploring the Anti-Acne Potential of Impepho [Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet] to Combat Cutibacterium acnes Virulence

“…Several Helichrysum species are traditionally used to treat inflammatory skin disorders and improve wound healing (Grčić et al, 2017). Other species in the Asteraceae family have also been traditionally reported to have this activity and is attributed to their ability to enhance keratinocyte proliferation and the remodeling of the skin extracellular matrix (Carvalho Jr. et al, 2018). There were obvious adverse effects on cell viability at 200 and 400 μg/ml.…”

Evolution of a diabetic foot wound with the use of calendula: A single‐case experimental design

“…Because of its complexity, the treatment of wounds has challenged health professionals, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes. UFDs not treated or treated inappropriately can lead to serious consequences, including lower limb amputation and death (Abd Rani, Husain, & Kumolosasi, 2018;Carvalho Jr, Diniz, & Suarez, 2018;Hartmann et al, 2017;Wang et al, 2016).…”

Herbal medicines to the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections: advantages of the multi‐targets action

“…This family is well known for its ethnopharmacological importance for many communities. Therefore it has been studied and anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and healing activities have already been identified (Carvalho et al, ).…”