Recent advances, mechanisms, and applications of natural medicines incorporated hydrogel-based drug delivery systems for enhancing wound-healing efficacy

Trauma results in wounds and triggers a response from the immune system to repair the damage, and can lead to severe physical complications if it is left untreated. Various drugs are applied through different drug delivery systems, e.g. hydrogels, hydrocolloids, scaffolds, nano-composite membranes, and nanofibers, etc. to cure the wound. Despite advancements in trauma care and management, infection remains a substantial cause of loss for millions of individuals with wounds globally. Natural medicine (NMs) remedies derived from plant sources are used in ailments due to their therapeutic properties and holistic healing effects. Due to the high risk of antibiotic resistance, NMs have been widely used in reversing bacterial resistance and wound healing. NMs have been reported for healing effects, however, the lack of an appropriate drug delivery system is posing difficulty in achieving their maximum potential applications. In this regard, hydrogel-based systems are ideal among all drug delivery systems due to their controlled release properties and biocompatibility. This review focuses on mechanisms of trauma repair, highlights the advantages and applications of selected NMs, and provides insights into the study gaps and prospects.