Therapeutic Effects of Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) in Wound Healing: Evidence and Relevance to Pakistan. A Narrative Review

Abstract

Wound healing is a major challenge globally, especially in lower and middle income countries including Pakistan, where diabetes and post-surgical infections are very common and may have a negative impact on daily life. Rosmarinus officinalis is an evergreen, aromatic shrub, of the Lamiaceae family, and is widely grown and used in Pakistan. Rosemary contains many natural compounds including carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and essential oils which are commonly considered to be the major contributors of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This narrative review will help to collect the preclinical and clinical data to understand how rosemary may help in wound healing and discuss its possible uses in the healthcare system of Pakistan. Overall findings suggest that rosemary could be helpful in the healing of wounds, but further clinical studies on the utilization of rosemary in modern wound care treatment in Pakistan are required to confirm its benefits.