Tragacanth Gum Facilitates Cutaneous Wound Healing Through Bioactive Polysaccharide-Driven Molecular Mechanisms

Abstract

Tragacanth gum is a promising natural polysaccharide exudate from Astragalus species that presents bioactive properties to enhance cutaneous wound healing. This review discusses its molecular mechanisms in all phases of the healing process: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Tragacanth consists of water-soluble tragacanthin (arabinogalactans) and swellable bassorin, conferring properties such as high viscosity, moisture retention, and pH stability that enable various hydrogel, film, and composite biomaterials.

It modulates inflammation by downregulating TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB while scavenging ROS. It also enhances fibroblast proliferation, collagen I/fibronectin synthesis via TGF-β, promotes M2 macrophage polarization, induces VEGF-driven angiogenesis through PI3K/Akt, and accelerates the migration of keratinocytes for re-epithelialization. In vitro and rodent in vivo studies have shown its biocompatibility along with reduced inflammation, enhanced granulation, and faster closure in full-thickness wounds.

Compared to chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid, and collagen, tragacanth demonstrates better rheological properties and sustainability with less immunogenicity. Challenges include composition variability and a lack of clinical trials. Future combinations with nanoparticles, stem cells, or smart polymers may result in smart dressings with multiple functionalities. Being a GRAS, traditionally used biopolymer, tragacanth has the potential for translation in clinical applications of regenerative wound therapies, which requires further standardized studies and human trials.