ABSTRACT
Wound healing is a complex biological process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation,
and tissue remodeling. Despite advances in wound management, chronic wounds remain a significant clinical
challenge due to persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, microbial infection, and impaired tissue regeneration.
Consequently, increasing interest has focused on plant-derived bioactive compounds as potential multifunctional
therapeutic agents. Among these, Theobroma cacao L. has emerged as a promising natural resource because of
its rich phytochemical composition, including flavanols, procyanidins, phenolic acids, methylxanthines,
polysaccharides, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. These bioactive compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti
inflammatory, antimicrobial, angiogenic, and collagen-stimulating properties that collectively support tissue
repair. This review summarizes the phytochemical composition of T. Cacao, its mechanisms of action, and current
evidence supporting its wound-healing potential. In vitro, studies demonstrate that cocoa-derived compounds
reduce oxidative stress, enhance fibroblast viability, stimulate collagen synthesis, and improve keratinocyte
function. Animal studies further show accelerated wound closure, enhanced re-epithelialization, and improved
tissue organization following topical application of cocoa extracts. Clinical studies, although limited, suggest
beneficial effects on skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen metabolism. The review also highlights the emerging
use of cocoa pod husks as sustainable sources of bioactive pectin for hydrogels, tissue engineering, and advanced
wound dressings. Overall, current evidence supports T. cacao as a potential multifunctional natural therapeutic
agent for wound healing, although standardized formulations and well-designed clinical trials are required before
widespread clinical application.