“COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES ON WOUND HEALING: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC AND MODERN APPROACHES”
Introduction: Wound healing is a complex physiological process essential for restoring tissue integrity and function. Ayurveda, through the concepts of Vrana and Vrana Chikitsa, offers time-tested approaches for wound care, while modern medicine relies on pharmacological agents, surgical interventions, and biotechnological innovations. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Ayurvedic classical texts (Sushruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya) alongside scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and AYUSH Research Portal). Studies included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, preclinical research, and reviews published between 2000 and 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on wound healing strategies in Ayurveda and modern biomedicine, while non-peer-reviewed sources were excluded. Results: Ayurvedic texts describe wound types (Vrana bheda), stages of healing (Ropana), and management strategies such as Shashti Upakrama (sixty wound management procedures), herbal formulations (Haridra, Nimba, Jatyadi taila), surgical interventions (Kshara Sutra, Jalaukavacharana), and lifestyle modifications. Modern approaches emphasize the molecular basis of wound healing, growth factors, stem cell therapy, nanotechnology, and advanced dressings (hydrocolloids, bioengineered scaffolds). Comparative analysis reveals that Ayurveda emphasizes holistic and individualized care, focusing on balancing Doshas and promoting natural healing, while modern medicine advances tissue regeneration through targeted biochemical and technological interventions. Discussion: Both systems show complementary strengths—Ayurveda offers safe, cost-effective, and holistic care, whereas modern medicine provides rapid, evidence-based, and technologically advanced solutions. However, gaps remain in standardization, scientific validation of Ayurvedic formulations, and long-term safety of modern innovations. Conclusion: Integrating Ayurvedic wisdom with modern evidence-based strategies can optimize wound management, enhance patient outcomes, and open avenues for integrative medicine. Further interdisciplinary research and clinical trials are required to bridge traditional knowledge and modern science.
KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, integrative medicine, modern wound care, tissue regeneration, Vrana Chikitsa