Current state-of-the-art in engineered herbal constructs for tissue engineering applications.
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Delineates the bioactive properties of herbal medicines in relevance to tissue engineering.
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Highlights material and technology perspectives for herbal construct fabrication.
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Discussion limited to crude herbal extract-loaded constructs.
Abstract
Engineering constructs with adequate bioactive properties that could support effective repair/ regeneration of damaged tissues is still a persisting challenge. An effective and sustainable approach involving a combination of tissue engineering principles and herbal medicines could address this challenge. This particular domain has witnessed tremendous growth over the past decade. In this review, we provide an overview of engineered herbal constructs for tissue engineering applications. We have highlighted various properties of herbal medicines that are relevant to tissue repair and regeneration. Further, a discussion of different biomaterials, fabrication methods, and current progress made with herbal constructs has been provided. On a concluding note, challenges and outlook for further development and clinical translation of these herbal constructs have also been presented.
