Abstract
Wound healing is a physiological process including haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. Acute wounds typically follow a predictable healing process, whereas chronic wounds cause prolonged inflammation and infection, failing to progress through typical healing phases and presenting significant clinical challenges. A combination of wound care techniques and therapeutic agents is required to manage chronic wounds effectively. Curcumin is a bioactive compound derived from Curcuma longa and has gained attention for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The first part of this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the physiology of wound healing, focusing on the pathophysiology and management of acute and chronic wounds, followed by the biological activity of curcumin in wound healing, emphasising its impact on promoting tissue repair. Finally, this review explores curcumin-loaded dressings, such as hydrogels, nanofibrous membranes, polymeric micelles, and films, offering controlled drug release and targeted curcumin delivery to enhance wound healing.