Factors influencing collagen biosynthesis.

The importance of collagen, the major structural protein of animal kingdom, in maintaining the normal structure and function of the skin is well known. The same property is exploited widely in medical and industrial fields in finding agents, which could influence the synthesis of this protein. In this context in vitro production of collagen is of high significance. A literature survey has been made to analyze the various factors that influence collagen biosynthesis. There are various physical and biological factors that can either induce or inhibit collagen biosynthesis at various levels of gene expression. However reports concentrating on the effects of plants-derived compounds in stimulating collagen synthesis are scanty. Since extracts of many plants are known to be beneficial in the wound healing process, plants-derived compounds will have a definite role in the regulation of collagen synthesis. The present study emphasizes the need for unearthing the role of these plant derived factors on collagen synthesis which will be of immense application in the medical field. 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.