Diabetic wound healing with medicinal plants: Past and present approaches

Diabetic wounds are characterized by their tendency to heal slowly, exhibit persistent inflammation, and become readily infected, which significantly complicates the overall wound-healing process. While conventional treatments often fall short in delivering lasting solutions, medicinal plants have emerged as a promising alternative for wound care. Rooted in ancient healing traditions, these herbal remedies are now gaining scientific recognition for their effectiveness in managing diabetic wounds. Compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids contribute to wound healing by exhibiting antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and angiogenic properties. These bioactive constituents accelerate tissue regeneration while minimizing complications, making them valuable in diabetic wound management. This review aims to connect traditional herbal wisdom with modern scientific insights by exploring key medicinal plants, their phytochemical mechanisms, and their therapeutic benefits in wound healing. With further clinical research and advancements in biotechnology, these natural remedies could become integral to mainstream diabetic wound care, providing safer, more affordable, and sustainable treatment options.