In a study published in the Journal Planta Medica, researchers report of a novel compound called Picroliv obtained from the roots of a plant Picrorhiza kurrooa which enhances the rate of wound healing by enhancing the restoration of the blood supply to the damaged tissue.

Previous work from Dr. Maheshwari's laboratory has shown that Picroliv also protects from the injuries induced by hypoxia and reoxygenation and upreulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and of insulin-like growth factor in rats during hypoxia. These findings suggest that Picroliv could be developed as a therapeutic angiogenic agent for the restoration of the blood supply in diseases involving inadequate blood supply such as limb ischemia, ischemic myocardium and wound healing.

These phytochemical may have the a potential use in improving the wound healing rate in immuno-compromised patients or military combat casualties.

Source: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (pdf)

Photo: Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth, Source: Envis