Evaluation of the antimicrobial and wound healing efficacy of extracts from Ehretia species and their silver nanoparticles.

Abstract

The rise of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and the increasing prevalence of chronic wounds pose serious threats to public health and the global economy. Chronic wounds become difficult to treat, especially when they harbor polymicrobial infections, as these complex infections often encourage the development of drug resistance. Many existing conventional treatments are associated with constraints, such as limited efficacy, high costs, and adverse side effects on surrounding healthy tissues. These factors necessitate a paradigm shift. In recent years, extracts from medicinal plants and their chemical derivatives have attracted significant attention as promising alternative therapeutic agents. This is primarily attributed to their cost-effectiveness, widespread accessibility, and fewer side effects. Ehretia species, widely distributed medicinal plants across southern Africa and other parts of the world, have been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, skin conditions, and inflammatory and pain-related ailments. In addition to their medicinal properties, plant extracts are increasingly valuable in green nanotechnology, offering a cost–effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly method for fabricating nanoparticles (NPs).