Poljsak N et al (2020). Vegetable butters and oils in skin wound healing: Scientific evidence for new opportunities in dermatology, 34: 254-269. Phytother Res.

Summary: Phytotherapy in dermatology has been proven that therapies using vegetable butters or oils are effective, with few side effects. The fatty acids of triglycerides are assumed to play an important role in the skin wound healing process, whereas the compounds of unsaponifiable matter may significantly contribute to antimicrobial, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities. Sunflower oil mainly consists of linoleic (55%) and oleic (30%) acids in triglycerides although this may vary depending on the type. A study of the effects of sunflower oil on an animal model showed an acceleration of the healing process. Additional research will provide us important knowledge of the effects of vegetable oils and their use for wound healing and they seem to support by sound scientific rationale.

Abstract: The use of vegetable butters and oils shows promising results in the treatment of skin wounds, as they have an effective impact on the phases of the wound-healing process through their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative activities and by promoting cell proliferation, increasing collagen synthesis, stimulating dermal reconstruction, and repairing the skin's lipid barrier function. In this article, in vitro and in vivo studies of argan (Argania spinosa), avocado (Persea americana), black cumin (Nigella sativa), calophyllum (Calophyllum inophyllum), coconut (Cocos nucifera), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), grape (Vitis vinifera), green coffee (Coffea arabica), lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus), linseed (Linum usitatissimum), lucuma (Pouteria lucuma), mango (Mangifera indica), olive (Olea europaea), pomegranate (Punica granatum), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), rapeseed (Brassica napus), sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oils were reviewed. In many cases, vegetable oils proved to be more effective than synthetic wound-healing compounds used as controls. The fatty-acid components of vegetable oils are assumed to play a major role in the wound-healing process, in particular polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid. Evidence shows that oils with a higher linoleic to oleic acid ratio are more effective for lipid barrier repair. However, in depth studies are needed to gain knowledge about vegetable oils' effects on the skin and vice versa.

Guidoni M et al (2019). Development and evaluation of a vegetable oil blend formulation for cutaneous wound healing, 311: 443-452. Arch Dermatol Res.

Summary: Virucidal activity of slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water (SAHW) was evaluated. Avian influenza virus and avian coronavirus were used as test viruses. SAHW was evaluated in suspension and carrier (with non-porous and porous) tests. Sprayed SAHW inactivated viruses on rayon sheets to undetectable level.

Abstract: The results, under in vivo experimental conditions, developed vegetable oil blend formulation (sunflower at 30%) accelerates the healing of wounds and promotes a rapid and controlled remodeling of the skin, contributing to the formation of an aesthetically acceptable scar. The formulation prevents the overexpression of the inflammatory phase by decreasing the release of proinflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing the migration of polymorphonuclear cells to the wound site and promoting proper deposition of the extracellular matrix. In this context, the developed formulation may be a promising and economically viable option for a topical application for wound healing and invasive aesthetic procedures.

Lin T-K et al (2018). Review: Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils, 19: 70-91. Int J Mol Sci.

Summary: Topical applications of plant oils including sunflower and coconut oils and shea butter may have different effect on the skin according to their composition and the pathophysiological context of the skin. The composition varies by different extraction methods. When applied topically, constituents of plant oils (triglycerides, phospholipids, FFAs, phenolic compounds and antioxidants) may act synergistically by several mechanisms: (i) promoting skin barrier homeostasis; (ii) antioxidative activities; (iii) anti-inflammatory properties; (iv) direct and indirect (upregulation of antimicrobial peptides) anti-microbial properties; (v) promoting wound healing; and (vi) anti-carcinogenic properties. Future studies can add to current findings.

Abstract: Plant oils have been utilized for a variety of purposes throughout history, with their integration into foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. They are now being increasingly recognized for their effects on both skin diseases and the restoration of cutaneous homeostasis. This article briefly reviews the available data on biological influences of topical skin applications of some plant oils (olive oil, olive pomace oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, safflower seed oil, argan oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, borage oil, jojoba oil, oat oil, pomegranate seed oil, almond oil, bitter apricot oil, rose hip oil, German chamomile oil, and shea butter). Thus, it focuses on the therapeutic benefits of these plant oils according to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin, promotion of wound healing and repair of skin barrier.

Lee B-H et al (2016). Plant Lysophosphatidic Acids: A Rich Source for Bioactive Lysophosphatidic Acids and Their Pharmacological Applications, 39: 156-162, Biol Pharm Bull.

Summary: The results, food stuffs and herbal medicines contain various beneficial ingredients for keeping humans healthy from diseases. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) which is found in sunflowers in a bioactive form could be one of these ingredients. With chemical synthesis of LPA analogs for the development of LPA receptor agonist or antagonist it might be worthwhile to pay attention to plant-based LPAs. In the future, plant-derived LPAs that target human LPA receptors could be developed as functional foods or as natural medicines for human health.

Abstract: Lysophosphatidic acid (1-acyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidic acid; LPA) is a simple and minor phospholipid in plants. Plant LPAs are merely metabolic intermediates in de novo lipid synthesis in plant cell membranes or for glycerophospholipid storage. The production and metabolisms of LPAs in animals are also well characterized and LPAs have diverse cellular effects in animal systems; i.e., from brain development to wound healing through the activation of G protein-coupled LPA receptors. Recent studies show that various foodstuffs such as soybean, cabbage and seeds such as sesame and sunflower contain bioactive LPAs. Some LPAs are produced from phosphatidic acid during the digestion of foodstuff. In addition, herbal medicines such as corydalis tuber, and especially ginseng, contain large amounts of LPAs compared to foodstuffs. Herbal LPAs bind to cell surface LPA receptors in animal cells and exert their biological effects. Herbal LPAs elicit [Ca(2+)]i transient and are coupled to various Ca(2+)-dependent ion channels and receptor regulations via the activation of LPA receptors. They also showed beneficial effects of in vitro wound healing, in vivo anti-gastric ulcer, anti-Alzheimer's disease, autotaxin inhibition and anti-metastasis activity. Thus, herbal LPAs can be useful agents for human health. Humans can utilize exogenous plant-derived LPAs for preventive or therapeutic purposes if plant-derived LPAs are developed as functional foods or natural medicine targeting LPA receptors. This brief review article introduces the known rich sources of herbal LPAs and herbal LPA binding protein, describes their biological effects, and further addresses possible clinical applications.

Otranto M et al (2010). Effects of supplementation with different edible oils on cutaneous wound healing, 18: 629-636. Wound Repair Regen.

Summary: In brief, among the oils studied, sunflower showed the best results and the first description of scar quality improvement after supplementation with sunflower oil. In this study, it was observed that supplementation with sunflower oil (rich in n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids) increased myofibroblast density and reduced the volume occupied by blood vessels. This probably occurred because the entire wound healing process was accelerated in the sunflower group compared with the linseed and fish groups.

Abstract: Fatty acids are bioactive molecules, but their effects on cutaneous wound healing are not well understood. Our aim was to investigate the effects of supplementation with edible oils on cutaneous healing. Thirty days before wounding, rats were started on daily supplements of sunflower oil, linseed oil, fish oil, or water. Supplementation lasted until euthanasia. On day 0, an excisional wound was made on the back of each animal. Fourteen days later, the animals were euthanized, and the wound and adjacent skin were collected. Wound closure was higher in the control group compared with the other groups at days 7 and 14. Inflammatory cells were abundant in the control, linseed, and fish groups, but scarce in the sunflower group. Large numbers of myofibroblasts were observed in the control and sunflower groups. The linseed and fish groups presented a high density of dilated blood vessels. The control and sunflower groups showed a moderate density of collagen fibers; a high density of fibers was observed in the linseed and fish groups. Hydroxyproline levels were lowest in the control and sunflower groups. Supplementation with different types of edible oils delayed wound closure and affected the inflammatory infiltrate and collagen deposition.

Zanoschi C et al (1991). The efficiency of some natural drugs in the treatment of burns, 95: 63-65, Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Lasi.

Summary: The use of sunflower oil and beeswax in conjunction with other products in an ointment proved efficacious in treating burns.

Abstract: In this paper we present an original product for burns. It is an ointment with bacteriostatic, bactericidal and epithelializing action and it is made up in accordance with technology of sunflower oil, beeswax, sintopholin, chloramphenicol, procaine, and vitamin E. An experimental study on burnt animals in order to prove the efficiency of the product was carried out. For histological investigation tegument was collected from the burnt area. A rapid evolution of epithelialization was found in case of treated animals as distinguished from control sample, where the infected crust was far from being healed. We also present some photos in account with the upper fact.