Hypertrophic scar is a complication of wound healing and has a high recurrence rate which can lead to significant abnormity in aesthetics and functions. To date, no ideal treatment method has been established. Meanwhile, the underlying mechanism of hypertrophic scarring has not been clearly defined. Although a large amount of scientific research has been reported on the use of medicinal plants as a natural source of treatment for hypertrophic scarring, it is currently scattered across a wide range of publications. Therefore, a systematic summary and knowledge for future prospects are necessary to facilitate further medicinal plant research for their potential use as antihypertrophic scar agents. A bibliographic investigation was accomplished by focusing on medicinal plants which have been scientifically tested in vitro and/or in vivo and proved as potential agents for the treatment of hypertrophic scars. Although the chemical components and mechanisms of action of medicinal plants with antihypertrophic scarring potential have been investigated, many others remain unknown. More investigations and clinical trials are necessary to make use of these medical plants reasonably and phytotherapy is a promising therapeutic approach against hypertrophic scars.
[1]Fujian Agr & Forestry Univ, Coll Life Sci, Fuzhou 350002, Peoples R China.
[2]Second Mil Med Univ, Sch Pharm, Dept Pharmaceut Bot, Shanghai 200433, Peoples R China.
[3]Shanghai Seventh Peoples Hosp, Cent Lab, Shanghai 200137, Peoples R China.
[4]Macau Univ Sci & Technol, State Key Lab Qual Res Chinese Med, Macau Inst Appl Res Med & Hlth, Macau, Peoples R China.
[5]Liverpool John Moores Univ, Sch Pharm & Biomol Sci, Fac Sci, Liverpool L3 3AF, Merseyside, England.
[6]Second Mil Med Univ, Sch Pharm, Dept Pharmacognosy, Shanghai 200433, Peoples R China.
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