Herbal Oils for Treatment of Chronic and Diabetic wounds: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: In the present scenario, diabetes is a growing health challenge and its occurrence is growing across the globe. Diabetes with its complications like diabetic wounds, vasculopathy, neuropathy, wound infections, and oxidative stress is a serious cause of mortality worldwide. Introduction: Among the various complications, treatment of diabetic ulcers and foot is one of the major concerns in patients who are suffering from diabetes. The causative factors for this condition includes increased oxidative stress, high blood glucose levels, vascular insufficiency, and microbial infections and many a times if left untreated, it may may even lead to amputations of the lower extremities. The present therapy for treatment of diabetic wounds mainly involves the use of synthetic moieties and other biotechnology derived biomolecles including growth factors. Few plant products are also useful in the treatment of wounds. Method: Essential oils derived from various herbs are reported to possess significant wound healing potential and promotes blood clotting, helps to fight infections, and accelerates the wound healing process. Hence, the present review is a systematic analysis of all the available data on the use of the natural oils with their biological source, active phytochemical constituents present, and the probable mechanism of action for treatment of chronic and diabetic wounds in suitable animal models. A methodical collection of data was perfomed and information was searched up to April 2020 in entirety. Key phrases used for the data search includes pathophysiology of wounds, diabetic foot wound and its complications, natural oils for chronic and diabetic wound treatment. Results: This review summarizes the natural oils which are reported in literature to be benefecial in treatment of chronic wounds while some olis have been specifically also studied against wounds in diabetic rats. Essential oils are said to interact with the body pharmacologically, physiologically and psychologically and help in rapid wound healing. However, majority of the literature studies have demonstated wound healing activity only in animal models (preclinical data) and further clinical studies are necessary. Conclusion : This review provides a platform for further studies on the effective utilization of natural oils in treatment of chronic and diabetic wounds, especially if oils are to receive credibility in the management of chronic wounds.