Advances in phenolic compounds: a phytotherapeutic approach for diabetic wound management

Diabetic wounds are slow-healing wounds arising from neuropathic complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). They contribute to 15% of complications in people living with DM. Owing to the economic burden and side effects of synthesized drugs associated with the management of diabetic wounds, there has been an increased search for alternative treatments, with increasing interest in natural products. Phenolics are among the most explored natural products from plants and have been reported for their medicinal properties, including wound healing. The wound-healing properties of phenolics have been attributed to their potent antioxidant properties as well as their ability to modulate metabolic activities linked to inflammation, energy dysmetabolism, and insulin resistance. Nanophenolics, or phenolic nanoparticles, have also shown great promise in accelerating the healing process of diabetic wounds. Using phenolic nanoparticles can enhance wound healing by promoting angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, and preventing infection. The antimicrobial properties of these products also help to prevent the development of infections that complicate diabetic wounds. Moreover, the chapter explores the potential for phenolics and phenolic nanoparticles to accelerate the healing process of diabetic wounds through innovative applications in wound management.