A review of herbal medicines in wound healing

Review

A review of herbal medicines in wound healing
Tina Maver1, MPharm, Uros Maver2, PhD, MPharm, Karin Stana Kleinschek1, PhD,
Dragica M. Smrke3, PhD, MD, and Samo Kreft4, PhD, MPharm

1
Laboratory for Characterisation and
Processing of Polymers, Faculty of
Mechanical Engineering, University of
Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia, 2Faculty of
Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor,
Slovenia, 3University Medical Centre
Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia, and 4Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana,
Ljubljana, Slovenia

Correspondence
Uro
s Maver, PHD, MPHARM
University of Maribor
Faculty of Medicine
Taborska ulica 8
SI-2000 Maribor
Slovenia
E-mail:

Abstract
Herbs have been integral to both traditional and non-traditional forms of medicine dating
back at least 5000 years. The enduring popularity of herbal medicines may be explained
by the perception that herbs cause minimal unwanted side effects. More recently, scientists

increasingly rely on modern scientific methods and evidence-based medicine to prove
efficacy of herbal medicines and focus on better understanding of mechanisms of their

Aaction.
woundHowever,
is defined
as the disruption
the cellular
information
concerningofquantitative
human health benefits of herbal
and
anatomic
continuity
of
a
tissue
and
may occur due to
medicines is still rare or dispersed, limiting their proper valuation. Preparations from
traditional medicinal plants are often used for wound healing purposes covering a broad
area of different skin-related diseases. Herbal medicines in wound management involve
disinfection, debridement, and provision of a suitable environment for aiding the natural
course of healing. Here we report on 22 plants used as wound healing agents in traditional
medicine around the world. The aim of this review is therefore to review herbal medicines,
which pose great potential for effective treatment of minor wounds.

Conflicts of interest: None.
doi: 10.1111/ijd.12766

Introduction
The human skin is the largest organ in the body and represents its first line of defense.1 Besides protection, the
skin has two other main functions: regulation and sensation. More specifically, it provides protection from
mechanical impacts and pressure, limits the influence of
variations in temperature, fights micro-organism infections, restricts radiation effects, and prevents the entrance
of chemicals. As the largest organ in the body, the skin
also plays an important role in several physiological processes, including regulation of body temperature (via
sweat and hair) and changes in peripheral circulation and
fluid balance. It is also involved in the synthesis of vitamin D, for which it acts as a reservoir. With an extensive
network of nerve cells, the skin enables detection and
relaying of changes in the environment (heat, cold, touch,
and pain). Damage to these nerve cells is known as neuropathy and results in the loss of sensation in affected
areas. Because of all the aforementioned and other functions, the preservation of skin quality is of prime importance to maintain a healthy body.2,3
A wound is defined as the disruption of the cellular
and anatomic continuity of a tissue and may occur due to
ª 2015 The International Society of Dermatology

physical, chemical, thermal, microbial, or immunological
tissue trauma.4 Wounds can compromise patients’
well-being, self-image, working capacity, and independence. Effective wound management is therefore necessary not only on the individual but also on the
community level.5
The process of wound healing
Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process of
replacing devitalized and missing cellular structures and
tissue layers. It is reflected in a set of biochemical events
in a closely organized cascade to repair damaged tissue.6
In the human adult, wound healing is often divided into
three phases, i.e., inflammatory, proliferative, and
remodeling phases. The inflammatory phase starts immediately after injury with the launch of hemostatic mechanisms to stop bleeding straight away.7 It is characterized
by vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation to induce

vasodilatation and phagocytosis, hence inflammation of
the wound site. The proliferative phase is characterized
by granulation, wound contraction, and epithelialization.
During granulation, fibroblasts form a bed of collagen,
followed by the production of new capillaries.7 During
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Herbal medicines in wound healing

wound contraction, myofibroblasts decrease the size of
the wound by gripping the wound edges and contracting
using a mechanism that resembles that of smooth muscle
cells. When the cells’ roles are close to complete,
unneeded cells undergo apoptosis.8 Epithelialization
involves proliferation of epithelial cells, which then
crawl atop the wound bed, covering the new tissue.
Finally, the remodeling phase takes place over a period
of several months, during which the dermis responds to
injury with the production of collagen and matrix proteins in an attempt to return to its pre-injury phenotype.9
The aim of wound treatment is to either shorten the
time required for healing or to minimize the undesired
consequences, hence scarring.10
Important activities in wound healing

management
Various physiological events can significantly affect the
course of wound healing. Among the most important are
the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, and antioxidant activities, regardless of the underlying mechanism.
The acute inflammatory response during the early
stages of injury generates factors (cytokines and chemokines) essential for appropriate tissue growth and
repair.11 Prolonged inflammation can prevent the wound
from reaching the remodeling phase, as well as matrix
synthesis. As a result, delays in wound closure and an
increase in pain sensation in and beside the wound commonly appear, leading to even more hindered healing.12
Considering the aforementioned, the anti-inflammatory
therapeutic interventions in wound care have been the
subject of extensive research, particularly in relation to
wound healing and improved patient comfort.13
Infections are known as one of the most important
factors influencing efficiency of wound healing. It is
reported that a high percentage of wound-related complications and hence costs in wound care can be directly
linked to infected wounds.14 Reducing the bacterial load
may be one of the most important necessary requirements
for better wound healing, as wound infection (either
secondary or primary by opportunistic microorganisms)
can lead to reduction of local inflammation and consequentially avoid tissue destruction.15 An ideal treatment
for the prevention of wound infection should act antimicrobially and at the same time stimulate the body’s natural immune activity without damage to surrounding
healthy tissue.16
Most wounds induce a sensation of pain. Pain relates to
patient discomfort, release of stress factors, and often
reduces the patient’s quality of life. Hindered mobility,
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Maver et al.

psychological issues connected with pain-induced stress,
and the financial burden caused by prolonged therapy all
contribute to less effective wound healing. According to
McGuire et al.,17 chronic pain lowers the patient’s capability of healing, prolonging the overall recovery process.17,18
Suitable and effective pain management can lead to an earlier ambulation, adequate oxygenation, nutrition, and
stress reduction. All studies mentioned results in the facilitation of wound healing, while minimizing risk for the
development of chronic pain, as well as finally in lowered
treatment costs.19
Inflammation also causes a coordinated influx of neutrophils to the wound site. Neutrophils activate their socalled respiratory burst and produce free radicals.20,21
The presence of free radicals results in oxidative stress
leading to lipid peroxidation, DNA breakage, and enzyme
inactivation, including free-radical scavenger enzymes,
which are known to limit the effects of reactive oxygen
species. Evidence for the role of oxidants in the pathogenesis of many diseases suggests that antioxidants may be
of therapeutic use in these conditions and hence improve
efficiency of wound healing.22
Important characteristics to be considered in wound
healing are the wound contraction rate, granulation tissue
breaking strength, as well as the collagen content.23 Apart
from the above-mentioned wound healing aiding activities, others are also reported in the literature, i.e., astringent activity, stimulated epithelization, and effective
hydration of the wound site.24
Medical plants traditionally used in wound
healing
Nature has been a source of medicinal treatments for
thousands of years, and plant-based systems continue to
play an essential role in the primary healthcare of 80% of
the world’s underdeveloped and developing countries.
Many plants and their extracts have been used traditionally due to their great potential for management and
treatment of wounds. Natural agents induce healing and

tissue regeneration through multiple connected mechanisms. The so-called phytomedicines are affordable, and
they mostly cause minimal unwanted side effects. However, increasing awareness of their activities, and potential
and possible safety concerns, point out the need for their
scientific standardization, validation, and systematic
safety evaluation before efficient introduction to wound
care.25 In recent years, extensive research has been carried
out in the area of wound healing and management
through medicinal plants.25–28
Table 1 provides an overview of the most important
medicinal plants and their properties, with a known or
proven effect on wound healing.
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Scheme

Used parts

Formulations

Unwanted side effects

Clinical evidence

Commercial products

Whole plant, flower

Liquid dosage forms for
cutaneous use

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Skin reactions in patients with
contact dermatitis

Animal trials, case studies
and clinical trials43

Azadirachta
Seed oil, bark
Liquid extracts in organic
Possibly allergic in high
Animal studies and cell
Neem extract AlignTM and neem fruits
indica
solvents
doses45
cultures46–48
Description: Azadirachta indica (Family: Meliaceae). Neem has been used in India for over two millennia due to many pharmacological activities, particularly for skin diseases. Liquid
neem extracts possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. Neem oil aids the building of collagen and maintains skin elasticity.46,49 It also keeps the
wound moist during the healing process. All mentioned mechanisms contribute to acceleration of wound healing27

Dried comminuted fruits
and liquid extracts
(aqueous and ethanol)

Colloidal Avena extracts are common in
cosmetic formulations (shampoos, soap,
creams, ointments, emulsions and gels)
since 1982

Description: Avena (Family: Poaceae). Oats have been known for more than 4000 years as food, while its use in traditional medicine dates back to the 12th century. For cutaneous use,
fruits of Avena are prepared as ‘colloidal oatmeal’ as described in USP (30th or later).43 In vitro investigations are indicative of anti-inflammatory activity of several oats preparations.43
Pasta made with oats flour mixed with beer yeast is used on infected ulcers and wounds to facilitate wound healing.44

Fruits

Avena

Liquid extracts, dried liquid
extracts and strips

No specific unwanted side
Animal studies and cell
No commercially available products for
effects are reported for
cultures39,40
cutaneous use
cutaneous use
Description:Angelica sinensis (Family: Apiaceae). Chinese angelica is widely used in Chinese traditional medicine. Its isolate has been found to stimulate wound healing through its
major active component, ferulic acid (acting proliferation-promoting)41,42 and increase the strength of the healed wounds.41 This effect is related to Angelica’s analgesic and
antimicrobial properties

Whole herb, roots

Angelicasinensis

Aloe vera

Mucilage from innerleaf
Gels and ointments for

Hypersensitivity to aloe35
Animal studies and case
Aloe extracts, gels and ointments for
parts
cutaneous use
studies35
cutaneous use
Description: Aloe vera (Family: Liliaceae). Aloe vera has been used for medicinal purposes in several cultures for centuries, especially in Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan and
China.36 Three thousand and five hundred years ago, Egyptians already used aloe extracts in treating burns, infections, and parasites.37 Aloe gel was proven to aid wound healing, in
treating ulcers and burns by forming a protective coating on the affected areas, hence speeding up the healing process. Various constituents of Aloe vera stimulate wound healing and
have anti-inflammatory activity (through different connected mechanisms, cytokine production and enzyme inhibition)38

Achillea

Allergic reactions and
Animal and case studies29
Extracts (in polypropylene glycol) used in
photosensitivity after skin
cosmetic products
exposure29
Description: Achillea (Family: Asteraceae). Yarrow has been used as a medicine by many cultures for hundreds of years.30 Good antibacterial activity against Shigella dysenteriae,31
moderate activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Clostridium perfringens and Candida albicans, and weak activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis, Acinetobacter lwoffii and
Candida krusei was reported.32 Yarrow was also proven to have a significant anti-inflammatory effect (most likely through protease inhibition)33,34

Name

Table 1 Overview of the most important traditionally used medicinal plants and their properties, with a known or proven effect on wound healing

Maver et al.
Herbal medicines in wound healing

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Flower

Calendula
officinalis

Formulations

Unwanted side effects

Clinical evidence

Commercial products

International Journal of Dermatology 2015

Leaves

Ointments, cutaneous
powder as an adjuvant
and cream

Allergy to plants of the
Apiaceae family62

Leaves

Flower

Aqueous extracts and
Not reported against
Animal studies and cell
Formulations prepared from the aqueous
decoction from leaves,
mammals, highly allelopathic
cultures72–74
extract (Eupolin) of the leaves has been
comminuted leaves
against other plants71
licensed for clinical use in Vietnam
ground into a paste
Description: Chromolaena odorata (Family: Asteraceae). Aqueous extracts and decoctions from Chromolaena leaves have been traditionally used throughout Vietnam in treatment of soft
tissue and burn wounds.75 This liquid preparation enhances hemostatic activity, inhibits wound contraction, stimulates granulation tissue and re-epithelization processes, and can
therefore aid wound healing, and minimize post-burn scar contracture as well as deformities76,77

Chromolaena
odorata

Chamomilla
recutita

Powdered form, liquid

Animal studies, case
Kamillosanâ for wound healing and
Hypersensitivity to the active
extracts (tinctures, oil
studies, and clinical
eczema treatment
substance and to other
extracts, lotions and
trials67
plants of the Asteraceae67
infusions)
Description: Chamomilla recutita (Family: Asteraceae). Chamomile has been used for centuries as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, and as a mild astringent and
wound healing medicine.68 Chamomile contributes to wound drying and accelerates epithelization.69 It was shown that its extracts aid wound healing through other mechanisms as well,
i.e. through increasing the granulation tissue weight and hydroxyproline content, by enhancing the rate of wound contraction and wound-breaking strength70

Centella asiatica

Animal studies, nonCentallaseâ ointment for keloidal scars,
controlled case studies,
Madecassolâ for treatment of systemic
and localized scleroderma
clinical studies on small
patient groups62
Description: Centella asiatica (Family: Mackinlayaceae). Brahmi is used extensively in the treatment of leprosy and a host of skin conditions, including different wounds. In experimentally
induced open wounds in rats, the aqueous extract of Centella asiatica increased collagen content and thickness of the epithelium.63 Topical administration of the aqueous extract
further increased cellular proliferation, promoted collagen synthesis at the wound site as evidenced by the increase in DNA, protein, collagen content of granulation tissue, and in tensile
strength.64 Through all mentioned mechanisms, Centella asiatica promotes wound healing and facilitates repair of the connective tissues.65,66 Ointments made from Centella leaves are
used to treat leg ulcers, decubitus scabs, gangrene, defective scars, fistula, traumatic and surgical wounds, burns, and skin grafts. Cutaneous powder is a common adjuvant on the
cicatrisation of skin injuries62

Wood, leaves, sap, and
Bark and twig oil and
Essential oil is reported nonAnimal studies and cell
Various products from Cedrus oil are used
bark
extracts
toxic to mammals56
cultures57–59
as value added products
Description: Cedrus deodara (Family: Pinaceae). Deodar possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, and wound healing activities. It is particularly effective in treatment of
infected wounds.60 Oil extracted from the bark and twigs has been used as astringent, while sap and oil are often used to treat psoriasis and eczema61

Cedrus deodara

Review

Liquid extracts, ointments
Hypersensitivity to members
Animal studies and cell
Oils, ointments and seeds are sold for
and comminuted herbal
of the Asteraceae family50
cultures50
various purposes
substance
Description: Calendula officinalis (Family: Asteraceae). In vitro pharmacological studies have shown antiviral, antigenotoxic, anti-inflammatory properties of marigold.51 It also possesses
antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans,52 Sarcina lutea, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and
Candida monosa.53 In suspension or in tincture, it is used topically for reducing inflammation, control of bleeding,54 and to facilitate healing of poorly healing wounds55

Used parts

Name

Table 1 Continued

4
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Scheme

Used parts

Formulations

Unwanted side effects

Clinical evidence

Commercial products

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Green leaves

Roots, whole plant

Liquid extracts (tinctures,
fluid extracts, glycerites)

Aqueous and ethanol
extracts

Hypersensitive skin
reactions101

Animal studies, cell
Not in wound care
cultures and case
studies101
Description: Ginko biloba (Family: Ginkgoaceae). Extracts of leaves have been used therapeutically for centuries.102 Ginkgo exhibits a variety of pharmacological activities, such as
increase in blood fluidity, antioxidant, membrane stabilizing, improvement in cognition, and pro-healing. Its preparations increase granulation tissue breaking strength and promote
epithelization103

Ginko biloba

Euphorbia hirta

Hypersensitive reactions
Animal studies,99 cell
Naturtech Labs Inc. Euphorbia Hirta
(photosensitive skin
cultures98 and case
(Tincture)
studies100
reactions, especially on
contact with open cuts)98

Description: Euphorbia hirta (Family: Euphorbiaceae). The aqueous plant extract shows analgesic, anti-inflammatory activities and inhibition of platelet aggregation. Ethanol extract of the
entire herb was found to possess significant wound healing activity26

Herbal preparations in
semi-solid or liquid
dosage form

Hypersensitive reactions (local Animal studies, cell
Echinacin, Madaus AG
rash, contact dermatitis,
cultures, case studies and
eczema and angioedema of
clinical trials87
the lips)87
Description: Echinacea (Family: Asteraceae). Preparations from Echinacea species are listed among the medicines with the longest reported use in the American people’s medicine.88
The three most used species in phytotherapy of Echinacea are: E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. palida. Apart from these, there are some reports of use of E. simulata and
E. paradoxa89 in traditional medicine as well. Echinacea purpurea was first mentioned in 1787. Information about the plants’ use from traditional healers ranges from topical application
to heal wounds, burns, and insect bites to the chewing of roots for toothache and throat infections. Oral or other form of internal application is known to reduce pain, to diminish coughs
and stomach cramps, and to decrease the effects of snake bites.90 Different studies have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Vesicular Stomatitis virus, Escherichia coli,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,91 Encephalomyocarditis virus, Vesicular Stomatitis virus,92,93
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida shehata, Candida kefyr, Candida albicans, Candida steatulytica, and Candida tropicalis.94 Echinacea extracts inhibit cyclooxygenase-I,
cyclooxygenase-II,95 and 5-lipoxygenase96 and are therefore anti-inflammatory. All mentioned activities contribute to better wound healing95–97

Whole plant

Echinacea

Rhizome in the form of
paste, ointment or
powder

May enhance antiAnimal studies, case
Whole rhizome, powder , and liquid
inflammatory effects of other
studies and clinical trials82
extracts thereof are commercially
medicines, leading to toxic
available in different countries
effects82
Description: Curcuma longa (Family: Zingiberaceae). Tumeric possesses antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities (curcuminoids decrease prostaglandin
formation and inhibit leukotriene biosynthesis via the lipoxygenase pathway).83 The anti-inflammatory activity and the presence of vitamin A and proteins in turmeric result in early
synthesis of collagen fibers by mimicking fibroblastic activity.84 Juice of the fresh rhizome is commonly applied to fresh wounds, bruises, and leech bites85,86

Rhizome

Curcuma longa

Commiphora
Gummi-resina
Tinctures
Allergic contact dermatitis78
Case studies and animal
Mirazidâ, marketed for treatment of
78
myrrha
studies
schistosomiasis
Description: Commiphora myrrha (Family: Burseraceae). Myrrh appears to be one of the oldest medicines, since its use was recorded in the recipes from ancient Rome and in the texts
of Hippocrates. Myrrh is also mentioned in both the Bible and the Koran.79 It has antibacterial and antifungal activities against several bacteria and funguses, as well as antiinflammatory, local anesthetic, and analgesic activities. The current reported cutaneous use of myrrh tincture is in topical application for treatment of minor wounds, abrasions, and to
treat skin inflammation80,81

Name

Table 1 Continued

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Scheme

Used parts

Formulations

Unwanted side effects

Clinical evidence

Commercial products

Seeds

Whole plant

Hydnocarpus
wightiana

Hypericum
perforatum

Liquid extracts (tinctures,
fluid extracts)

Possible mild irritation104

International Journal of Dermatology 2015

Rosmarinus
officinalis

Whole or cut dried leaves

Liquid or semi-solid
dosage forms

Hypersensitivity to the active
Animal studies, case
Herborâ rosemary extract
substance (possible contact
studies, safe for food
dermatitis)129
applications (FDA)129
Description: Rosmarinus officinalis (Family: Lamiaceae). Rosemary is traditionally used for wound management and treatment. It reduces inflammation and enhances wound contraction,
re-epithelization, and regeneration of granulation tissue, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition130

Pterocarpus
Leaves, flower
Liquid extracts (ethanol),
Allergic dermatitis125
Animal studies and case
Not in wound care
santalinus
gels and ointments
studies126–128
Description: Pterocarpus santalinus (Family: Fabaceae). The wood of the red sanders is traditionally used due to astringent and tonic properties. Ethanol extracts of the leaf and stem
bark of Pterocarpus santalinus has shown significant decrease in the period of epithelialization and an increase in the rate of wound contraction. Wound healing properties of the red
sanders are also related to improved collagenation and breaking strength, and increased granulation tissue dry weight and hydroxyproline content26

Jasminum
Leaves, flower
Liquid extracts (ethanol)
Hypersensitivity reactions after Animal studies121,122
Jasminum grandiflorum leaf extract
auriculatum
prolonged use120
Description: Jasminum auriculatum (Family: Oleaceae). The juice of the leaves was found to promote wound healing through improved tensile strength in the early phases of healing123
and due to acceleration of mucopolysaccharide accumulation124

Allergic skin reactions (fairCell cultures, animal
St. John’s wort dry extract, quantified
skinned individuals may react
studies and case
extract (Pharm. Eur. ref. 07/2008:1874)
with intensified sunburn-like

studies113
symptoms)113
Description: Hypericum perforatum (Family: Hypericaceae). St. John’s wort has a history of safe and effective usage in many folk and herbal remedies. It has anti-inflammatory,114,115
antiseptic,116 analgesic, astringent, and antibacterial activities.117 It also promotes healing when used externally on minor wounds.115 The pro-healing action of Hypericum perforatum
tincture is evidenced by the enhanced epithelization phase, with an increase in the wound contraction rate and the granulation tissue breaking strength. Due to the mentioned effects,
the tincture has a longstanding use as an aid in healing of minor wounds.118,119

Liquid extracts (for liquid
and semi-solid dosage
forms)

Oil extracts, comminuted
Hypersensitive skin reactions
Animal studies and case
Hydnocarpus seed oil
seeds in the form of
if used as concentrated oil
studies109–112
paste
extracts109
Description: Hydnocarpus wightiana (Family: Achariaceae). The oil from chaulmoogra seeds has been widely used in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine.110 The wound healing
effect is reportedly related to improved collagenation and strength of scar tissue, as well as through promoted epithelization109,111

Whole plant, leaves,
flower

Helianthus
annuus

Review

Animal studies,105 cell
Oleozonâ for the treatment of tinea pedis
cultures and case
studies106
Description: Helianthus annuus (Family: Asteraceae). In traditional medicine, the sunflower herb is used by Indian tribes for treating inflammation of the eyes, sores, tiger bites, and to
treat bone fractures.107 The whole plant ethanol extract applied on the excised wounds of rats led to significantly reduce healing times, which was explained by faster and increased
accumulation of mucopolysaccharides108

Name

Table 1 Continued

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Tridax
Leaf juice, flower
Liquid extracts (aqueous
Hypersensitivity to the active

Animal studies131–133
Not in wound care
procumbens
and ethanol)
substance
Description: Tridax procumbens (Family: Asteraceae). The juice of Tridax procumbens accelerates two phases of wound healing: epithelization and collagenation, resulting in less
rigorous scar formation and granulation132

Name
Scheme

Table 1 Continued

Used parts

Formulations

Unwanted side effects

Clinical evidence

Commercial products

Conclusion

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Many plants promote the skin’s natural repair mechanisms
and therefore have a huge potential for therapeutic use in
wound care. As our familiarity with herbal extracts and isolates increases and while we employ commonly used scientific methodology to study plants and their extracts from the

physiological and pharmacological point of view, the number of herbal products for wound treatment is steadily
increasing. Clinical proof of the therapeutic effects of herbal
products has led to the study of many more herbs for their
therapeutic, either curative or preventative, roles. Further
studies should aim at the isolation and identification of specific active substances from plant extracts, which could also
disclose compounds with better therapeutic value. Such a
combination of traditional and modern knowledge can produce novel drugs for wound healing with significantly
lowered unwanted side effects.
Acknowledgments
The paper was co-produced within the framework of the
operation entitled Centre of Open innovation and ResEarch
UM (CORE@UM). The operation is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and conducted within the
framework of the Operational Programme for Strengthening Regional Development Potentials for the period 2007–
2013, development priority 1: Competitiveness of companies and research excellence, priority axis 1.1: Encouraging
competitive potential of enterprises and research excellence,
contact no. 3330-13-500032. The authors also acknowledge the financial support from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Slovenia.
Questions (See answers after references)
1 What are the functions of the human skin? (multiple
correct answers)
a First-line protection against infections
b Hormone secretion
c Body temperature regulation
d Pain sensation
e Water reservoir
2 Is wound healing affected if the patient suffers from pain?
a True
b False
3 Which are the main wound healing phases? (multiple
correct answers)
a Infection prevention

b Inflammatory
c Proliferative
d Scarring
e Remodeling
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4 Does scarring occur in the inflammation phase of
wound healing?
a True
b False
5 What are the characteristics of an ideal medicine for prevention of wound infection? (multiple correct answers)
a Antimicrobial activity
b Moisture control
c Stimulation of innate immunity
d Vasoconstriction
6 Which drugs are COMMONLY applied in wound
treatment? (mutlitple correct answers)
a Analgesics
b Astringents
c Anti-inflammatory drugs
d Antimicrobials

7 Which medical plants possess anti-inflammatory activity? (multiple correct answers)
a Achillea
b Centella asiatica
c Chamomilla recutita
d Ginko Biloba
e Rosmarinus officinalis
8 Can Angelica sinensis be used to lower the patients
sensation of pain?
a True
b False
9 Can Echinacea be used to treat Candida infections?
a True
b False
10 Which plant has been approved by FDA for food
applications? (one correct answer)
a Rosmarinus officinalis
b Pterocarpus santalinus
c Commiphora myrrha
d Azadirachta indica
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Answers
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

a, c, d
a
b, c, e
b
a, c
b, d
a, e
a
a
a

ª 2015 The International Society of Dermatology