International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 12 authors, 6 centres
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This narrative review compiles evidence on how flavonoids may promote wound healing through various molecular pathways, primarily based on preclinical (in vitro and animal) studies. The main finding is that flavonoids exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-angiogenic effects that could aid wound repair, but the review notes a significant limitation: most evidence is preclinical, and clinical trials are limited and often do not reach Phase 3.
This narrative review examines the potential of flavonoids as wound-healing agents, focusing on their mechanisms of action through various signaling pathways. The background highlights the global burden of acute and chronic wounds, the limitations of current treatments (e.g., antibiotics, surgery), and the need for safer, natural alternatives. The methods involve a compilation of existing literature on flavonoids' effects on wound healing, including in vitro, in vivo, and some clinical studies. Key results indicate that flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, hesperidin, kaempferol) can modulate pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, Nrf2/ARE, NF-κB, and MAPK/ERK, which are involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, and antioxidant defense. Preclinical data show improved wound closure rates (e.g., 51% increase with quercetin-3-oleate, 52.26% more wound contraction with quercetin-loaded liposomes) and antibacterial properties. However, the review notes that most evidence is preclinical, and clinical trials are limited, with inconsistent results and few reaching Phase 3. Limitations include the lack of robust human data, variability in flavonoid sources and formulations, and the complexity of translating animal models to human wound healing. Implications suggest that flavonoids are promising but require further research, particularly well-designed clinical trials, to confirm their efficacy and safety for human wound management.
