Coniferous resin and its extracts in wound healing : from folk tradition to modern medicine
Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Interest in plant-based wound treatments has grown due to traditional method limitations, antimicrobial resistance, and the need for safer options.Coniferous resin from Norway spruce (Picea abies) has been used in Northern European folk medicine for treating skin wounds and infections for centuries.Recent studies have validated these applications, with clinical trials showing refined spruce resin products effectively treat complex wounds and demonstrate antimicrobial properties against antibiotic resistant bacteria.The primary objective of this dissertation was to deepen the understanding of the medicinal uses of coniferous resin and to clarify the biological characteristics and pharmaceutical potential of its extracts.We created an innovative oil-in-water dispersion of oxidized resin to enable research in aqueous in vitro environments.The hypothesis suggested that resin extracts contribute to wound healing not only by their antimicrobial properties but also by promoting cell growth and decreasing inflammation in the wound area.Novel aqueous oil-in-water emulsions containing extracts from natural coniferous resins (RE-RY-SA and RO-RY-SA) demonstrated strong antimicrobial properties against bacteria and yeasts.These emulsions were effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA.The primary antimicrobial agents were identified as oxidized resin acids.Other resin components, like lignans and coumaric acids, showed no significant antimicrobial activity when tested individually.The emulsions inhibited biofilm formation and eradicated collaboration with Repolar Pharmaceuticals Ltd and its co-founder and former CEO, Professor Emeritus Pentti Sipponen.Over the years, we engaged in productive cooperation on this compelling topic: the development of high-quality and effective products derived from spruce resin for the treatment of various diseases and injuries.Strong clinical evidence has consistently underpinned Repolar Pharmaceuticals' research endeavors, whereas I was able to contribute a biochemical and pharmacological perspective to the topic.What began as a commercial collaboration gradually evolved into a friendship.I deeply regret that you could not witness the completion of this dissertation, but your legacy is profoundly reflected in these pages.Rest in peace, Pentti.Given the multifaceted nature of the topic, covering areas such as clinical wound research, dermatology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, and molecular biology, I sought experienced experts to support me in this project.Later, it turned out that I may have set some kind of record in terms of the seniority of thesis supervisors.Professor Emeritus Atte von Wright, a distinguished microbiologist whom I initially met nearly 25 years earlier while studying molecular biology at the University of Kuopio, agreed to be my primary supervisor.I extend my gratitude for your long-term support and encouraging guidance throughout this project.Some patience was undoubtedly required as well.Professor Emeritus Ilkka Harvima provided valuable clinical expertise and excellent laboratory facilities for investigating the biological properties of resin and its components.My sincere thanks for your support.
Author: Haapakorva, Elias
Language: English
Topic: Wound Healing and Treatments
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7215291557