Researchers at Nagaland University have made a significant breakthrough in diabetes treatment by identifying a natural compound known as Sinapic acid, which has shown to effectively promote wound healing in diabetic patients. Diabetic wounds, particularly foot ulcers, are a common complication that can lead to severe issues such as infections and amputations if not treated promptly.
The findings, published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, reveal that administering Sinapic acid orally can speed up the healing process of diabetic wounds in preclinical models. This compound is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in various edible plants, which adds to its potential as a safe treatment option.
According to Prof. Pranav Kumar Prabhakar, Head of the Department of Biotechnology at Nagaland University, “Diabetes mellitus remains one of the world”s most pressing chronic diseases, affecting hundreds of millions globally. Among its serious complications is delayed wound healing, often resulting in diabetic foot ulcers, infection, and, in severe cases, amputation.” He noted that current synthetic drugs have limited effectiveness and frequently lead to unwanted side effects.
Interestingly, the research indicated that a lower dosage of Sinapic acid (20 mg/kg) was more effective than a higher dose (40 mg/kg), a phenomenon termed “Inverted Dose-Response.” This finding not only optimizes dosage strategies but also has significant implications for future drug development.
The implications of this discovery could be transformative, potentially reducing the risk of amputation and speeding up recovery for patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers. Furthermore, Sinapic acid presents an affordable, natural oral therapy, enhancing accessibility for patients in rural and resource-limited areas.
Robust preclinical evidence suggests that Sinapic acid not only enhances wound healing but also improves metabolic health and reduces oxidative stress in diabetic models. The researchers are now preparing to enter the next phase of their study, which includes pilot clinical trials to validate their findings in human subjects.
