From Botanical Extracts to Pharmacological Pathways: Exploring the Anti-keloid Effects of Plant-derived Compounds

Keloids are a challenging dermatological condition, characterized by abnormal wound healing and excessive fibrosis, resulting in raised, disfiguring scars that can significantly impact patients' quality of life. Despite the availability of various treatments, including corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, and surgical excision, effective and consistent therapeutic options remain elusive due to high recurrence rates and limited efficacy. This study investigates the potential of botanical extracts to influence keloid formation and modulate underlying cellular and molecular processes. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo models, we screened a diverse range of plant-derived compounds for their effects on fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Detailed molecular analyses have revealed that several compounds exhibit strong anti-keloid activity by targeting key pro-fibrotic signaling pathways, such as TGF-β/Smad and MAPK/ERK. These compounds also demonstrated the ability to induce fibroblast apoptosis, reduce excessive collagen deposition, and normalize extracellular matrix organization. Furthermore, our findings suggest that these plant-based compounds may act synergistically with current treatments to enhance their efficacy while minimizing side effects. The study highlights the therapeutic promise of botanical extracts in managing keloids and underscores the importance of natural products as a source of innovative treatments. Future research should focus on optimizing the pharmacological properties of these compounds for clinical applications, investigating their long-term safety and efficacy, and exploring their potential integration into multimodal therapeutic strategies. These efforts could pave the way for the development of novel, targeted approaches to improve keloid management and patient outcomes.