Wound healing with plants: the African perspective

Abstract

A vast range of aspects have been covered already on wounds. These include: definitions (Ellis and Caine 1977), types, extent (Macfarlane and Thomas 1972), the socio-economic implication and the comfort, well being, ambulation as well as restoration of the function of wound sites. There is similarly a good coverage in the scientific press on wound healing including the historical (Fish and Owen Dawson 1967). medical and clinical aspects, the complications of wounds (Macfarlane and Thomas 1972), chemical substances responsible for and factors influencing wound healing (Macfarlane and Thomas 1972: Fish and Owen Dawson 1967; Elliot 1994; Schilling 1968; Douglas 1963). A brief discussion of the aspects already covered is presented here with a view to familiarizing the reader with the subject matter. Emphasis will be placed on wound healing agents (WHAs) some of which are either natural, synthetic or derived products which can be sourced from plants or plant products. A list of such plants used for wound healing in Africa including the families, active morphological parts, their specific roles (modes/mechanism of their action), isolated active chemical components responsible for wound healing activity as well as their structure-activity relationships (SAR) where known will be discussed.