Chinese medicine and diabetic foot ulcers

NewsBot · Apr 17, 2024

Summary and evaluation of randomized controlled trial on Chinese patent medicine in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer
Wen-Ting Song et al
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2024 Feb;49(4):1113-1121.

This study systematically collected, analyzed, and evaluated randomized controlled trial(RCT) in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer(DFU). The aim as provide references for future studies and to enhance the application of clinical evidence. The RCT of DFU treated with Chinese Patent Medicine was obtained and analyzed using the AI-Clinical Evidence Database of Chinese Patent Medicine(AICED-CPM). The analysis was supplemented with data from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. A total of 275 RCTs meeting the requirements were retrieved, with only 7 of them having a sample size of 200 or more. These trials involved 66 different Chinese patent medicine including 25 oral medications, 24 Chinese herbal injections, and 17 external drugs. Among the 33 different intervention/control designs identified, the most common design was Chinese patent medicine + conventional treatment vs conventional treatment(86 cases, 31.27%). Out of the 275 articles included in the literature, 50 did not provide information on the specific course of treatment(18.18%). A total of 10 counting indicators(with a frequency of 426) and 36 measuring indicators(with a frequency of 962) were utilized. The methodological quality of the RCT for the treatment of DFU with Chinese patent medicine was found to be low, with deficiencies in blind methods, other bias factors, study registration, and sample size estimation. There were noticeable shortcomings in the reporting of allocation hiding and implementation bias(blind method application). More studies should prioritize trial registration, program design, and strict quality control during implementation to provide valuable data for clinical practice and serve as a reference for future investigations.
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NewsBot · Apr 19, 2024

Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine monomer in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A review
Shi Xiaoqin et al
Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Mar 29;103(13):e37767

Diabetes peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Early symptoms are insidious, while late symptoms mainly include numbness, pain, swelling, and loss of sensation in the limbs, which can lead to disability, foot ulcers, amputation, and so on. At present, the pathogenesis is also complex and diverse, and it is not yet clear. Western medicine treatment mainly focuses on controlling blood sugar and nourishing nerves, but the effect is not ideal. In recent years, it has been found that many drug monomers have shown good therapeutic and prognostic effects in the prevention and treatment of diabetes peripheral neuropathy, and related research has become a hot topic. To understand the specific mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine monomers in treatment, this article provides a review of their mechanism research and key roles. It mainly includes flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, saponins, alkaloids, polysaccharides, etc. By nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), the signaling pathways of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Nrf2/ARE, SIRT1/p53, etc, can play a role in lowering blood sugar, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and autophagy, promoting sciatic nerve regeneration, and have great potential in the prevention and treatment of this disease. A systematic summary of its related mechanisms of action was conducted, providing ideas for in-depth research and exploration of richer traditional Chinese medicine components, and also providing a relatively complete theoretical reference for clinical research on diabetes peripheral neuropathy treatment.
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NewsBot · Sep 15, 2024

Accelerating diabetic wound healing with Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) alkaloids via NRF2/HO-1/eNOS pathway
Fugang Xiao et al
Phytomedicine. 2024 Aug 31:134:155990

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a severe complication of diabetes mellitus. Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) alkaloids (SZ-A), an approved oral medication for type 2 diabetes, have not been explored for their potential to enhance the processes involved in diabetic wound healing. This study aims to investigate SZ-A's role in diabetic wound healing mechanisms. The in vivo experimentation involves dividing the subjects into NC and SZ-A groups, with SZ-A dosed at 200 and 400 mg/kg, to assess the therapeutic efficacy of SZ-A. The results of the animal studies show that SZ-A intervention accelerates the processes of diabetic angiogenesis and wound healing in a manner dependent on its concentration. Additionally, a pathological model using advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in HUVECs demonstrates SZ-A's cytoprotective effect. In vitro, SZ-A intervention significantly increases cell proliferation, migration and tube formation, protecting HUVECs from oxidative stress injury induced by AGEs. Mechanistically, SZ-A exerts a protective effect on HUVECs from oxidative stress damage through the activation of the NRF2/HO-1/eNOS signaling pathway. The findings suggest that SZ-A exhibits considerable potential as a promising candidate for treating DFUs, which will aid in more effectively integrating plant-based therapies into clinical settings.
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NewsBot · Oct 4, 2024

NewsBot said: ↑

Effect of Chinese herbal compound dressings in treating patients with diabetic foot ulcers: A meta-analysis
Qian Yang, Fei Liu, Changxiu Zhao, Xin Xu, Yaqi Wang, Weiwei Zuo
05 March 2024
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RETRACTION: Effect of Chinese herbal compound dressings in treating patients with diabetic foot ulcers: A meta-analysis
Int Wound J. 2024 Sep;21(9):e70077. doi: 10.1111/iwj.70077.
Retraction: Q. Yang , F. Liu , C. Zhao , X. Xu , Y. Wang , W. Zuo , "Effect of Chinese Herbal Compound Dressings in Treating Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Meta-Analysis," International Wound Journal 21, no. 3 (2023): e14767, https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.14767. The above article, published online on 05 March 2024, in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, Professor Keith Harding; and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. It came to the publisher's attention from a third party that a number of articles shared concerning similarities in format and structure. Following an investigation by the publisher, the retraction has been agreed on as the peer review and publishing process for this article were found to be manipulated.

NewsBot · Oct 24, 2024

Summary and evaluation of randomized controlled trial on Chinese patent medicine in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer
Wen-Ting Song et al
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2024 Feb;49(4):1113-1121

This study systematically collected, analyzed, and evaluated randomized controlled trial(RCT) in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer(DFU). The aim as provide references for future studies and to enhance the application of clinical evidence. The RCT of DFU treated with Chinese Patent Medicine was obtained and analyzed using the AI-Clinical Evidence Database of Chinese Patent Medicine(AICED-CPM). The analysis was supplemented with data from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. A total of 275 RCTs meeting the requirements were retrieved, with only 7 of them having a sample size of 200 or more. These trials involved 66 different Chinese patent medicine including 25 oral medications, 24 Chinese herbal injections, and 17 external drugs. Among the 33 different intervention/control designs identified, the most common design was Chinese patent medicine + conventional treatment vs conventional treatment(86 cases, 31.27%). Out of the 275 articles included in the literature, 50 did not provide information on the specific course of treatment(18.18%). A total of 10 counting indicators(with a frequency of 426) and 36 measuring indicators(with a frequency of 962) were utilized. The methodological quality of the RCT for the treatment of DFU with Chinese patent medicine was found to be low, with deficiencies in blind methods, other bias factors, study registration, and sample size estimation. There were noticeable shortcomings in the reporting of allocation hiding and implementation bias(blind method application). More studies should prioritize trial registration, program design, and strict quality control during implementation to provide valuable data for clinical practice and serve as a reference for future investigations.
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NewsBot · Nov 6, 2024

Clinical Effects of Thread-Dragging Therapy on Gangrene of Non-ischemic Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Fang-Fang Wu et al
Chin J Integr Med. 2024 Nov 5

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of thread-dragging therapy on gangrene of non-ischemic diabetic foot ulcers (NIDFU).

Methods: A total of 136 patients with NIDFU were recruited from the Department of Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 21, 2021 and February 1, 2023, and randomized into an intervention group and a control group, with 68 cases in each group. Both groups received basic treatment. The intervention group was treated with thread-dragging therapy, while the control group was treated with debridement combined with routine dressing changes after surgery. Both groups were treated continuously for 2 months. The amputation rates and changes in the ulcer area were compared between the groups. The inflammatory response index including peripheral white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophil percentage (NEUT%), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were compared between the two groups.

Results: After treatment, the ulcer areas in the intervention group were significantly smaller than that of the control group (8.50±3.88 cm2 vs. 10.11±4.61 cm2, P<0.05). The amputation rates of the two groups were not statistically significant (4.4% vs. 5.9%, P>0.05). Differences of WBCs count, CRP, and ESR before and after therapy in the intervention group were better than the control group (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in changes of NEUT%, PCT, and IL-6 between the two groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Thread-dragging therapy may be effective in the treatment of NIDFU, with the additional advantages of less tissue damage after healing.
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NewsBot · Nov 28, 2024

Shengji ointment combined with bromelain promotes granulation of exposed tendons in diabetic foot ulcers: A multicenter, randomized, positive-controlled clinical trial
Xu Sun et al
Heliyon. 2024 Oct 31;10(22):e39716

Background: Exposed, infected and necrotic tendons often occur in the middle and late stages of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The exposed tendon is both a potential source and route of infection, which prolongs the treatment period and affects recovery, leading to amputation and even death. Therefore, management of the exposed tendon in patients with DFU is the key to treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shengji ointment combined with bromelain in the treatment of DFU with tendon exposure and to provide clinical treatment options and evidence-based medicine.

Methods: This study was a multicenter, nonblinded, randomized, positive controlled clinical trial involving 180 patients with DFU with tendon exposure at four tertiary-grade A-class hospitals. The included patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to an observation group (n = 90) that received Shengji ointment combined with bromelain and a control group (n = 90) that received hydrocolloid dressing, with dressing changes once daily for 4 weeks. Patients in both groups continued with conventional treatments, such as blood glucose and blood pressure medication, lipid regulation, and antiplatelets. The primary outcome measure was wound coverage with granulation tissue. The secondary outcome measures included the wound healing rate, time to granulation, Maryland foot score, time to debridement of necrotic tendon tissue, and granulation tissue score. We performed measurements before enrollment and after the end of treatment for comparison.

Results: There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05). After treatment, the primary outcome indicators of the two groups were compared, and the wound granulation tissue coverage rate of the treatment group was greater than that of the control group (P = 0.003). For the secondary outcome outcomes, the wound healing rate, time to granulation, Maryland foot function score, time to debridement of necrotic tendon tissue, and granulation tissue score in the treatment group were significantly better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P = 0.444).

Conclusions: Shengji ointment combined with bromelain effectively promotes the removal of exposed necrotic tendons in patients with DFU, promotes the regeneration of healthy granulation tissue, accelerates wound healing, and protects the limb and its function. It also appears to be safe as an intervention for the treatment of patients with DFU.
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NewsBot · Dec 19, 2024

News Release 19-Dec-2024
Suboptimal reporting of randomized controlled trials on non-pharmacological therapies in Chinese medicine

Nonpharmacological treatments in Chinese medicine (NPTCM), including acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and Tuina, have gained global recognition for their efficacy in various health conditions. However, the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on these interventions has been suboptimal, with many lacking sufficient descriptions of interventions, blinding details, and exhibiting significant interstudy heterogeneity. This has led to the development of CONSORT extension guidelines, including STRICTA for acupuncture, STRICTOM for moxibustion, STRICTOC for cupping, and STRICTOTM for Tuina/massage, aiming to standardize the reporting of NPTCM trials. Despite these guidelines, adherence has been variable, with significant room for improvement in the reporting quality of RCTs, particularly in the areas of treatment regimens, practitioner background, and safety assessments.

This review analyzed RCTs published in 2022 to assess the reporting quality of NPTCM interventions based on the respective CONSORT extensions. A total of 387 eligible RCTs were identified, with the majority published in Chinese journals. The review revealed that while acupuncture trials had the highest reporting rate at 62.6%, Tuina/massage trials had the lowest at 47.9%. The reporting of treatment regimens was relatively high at 79.9%, but the reporting of practitioner background was alarmingly low at 14.9%. Subgroup analysis showed that publications in English had a significantly higher reporting score than those in Chinese. The review also identified major deficiencies in the reporting of safety assessments, the incorporation of CM patterns in trial design, and the implementation of blinding in NPTCM trials.

The review highlights the need for enhanced reporting of safety assessments, standardized reporting of CM pattern-related diagnostic criteria and outcomes, and more research into the reasons for poor reporting of certain items such as treatment environment and provider background information. It recommends that journals strengthen their endorsement of reporting guidelines, particularly for Chinese journals, to improve the quality of NPTCM interventional studies. The review concludes that while progress has been made in adhering to reporting guidelines, there is a pressing need for further improvement to ensure accurate documentation and enhance the quality and reliability of research in the field of NPTCM.

NewsBot · Dec 19, 2024

Predicting the diabetic foot in the population of type 2 diabetes mellitus from tongue images and clinical information using multi-modal deep learning
Zhikui Tian et al
Front Physiol. 2024 Dec 3:15:1473659.

Aims: Based on the quantitative and qualitative fusion data of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine, a diabetic foot (DF) prediction model was established through combining the objectified parameters of TCM and Western medicine.
Methods: The ResNet-50 deep neural network (DNN) was used to extract depth features of tongue demonstration, and then a fully connected layer (FCL) was used for feature extraction to obtain aggregate features. Finally, a non-invasive DF prediction model based on tongue features was realized.

Results: Among the 391 patients included, there were 267 DF patients, with their BMI (25.2 vs. 24.2) and waist-to-hip ratio (0.953 vs. 0.941) higher than those of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) group. The diabetes (15 years vs. 8 years) and hypertension durations (10 years vs. 7.5 years) in DF patients were significantly higher than those in T2DM group. Moreover, the plantar hardness in DF patients was higher than that in T2DM patients. The accuracy and sensitivity of the multi-mode DF prediction model reached 0.95 and 0.9286, respectively.

Conclusion: We established a DF prediction model based on clinical features and objectified tongue color, which showed the unique advantages and important role of objectified tongue demonstration in the DF risk prediction, thus further proving the scientific nature of TCM tongue diagnosis. Based on the qualitative and quantitative fusion data, we combined tongue images with DF indicators to establish a multi-mode DF prediction model, in which tongue demonstration and objectified foot data can correct the subjectivity of prior knowledge. The successful establishment of the feature fusion diagnosis model can demonstrate the clinical practical value of objectified tongue demonstration. According to the results, the model had better performance to distinguish between T2DM and DF, and by comparing the performance of the model with and without tongue images, it was found that the model with tongue images performed better.
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NewsBot · Jun 25, 2025

Network pharmacology, docking, and molecular dynamics analysis of Sanhuang decoction in diabetic foot ulcers
Bo Wu et alt
Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin. 2025 May 23:1-18.

This study aims to systematically and comprehensively elucidate the mechanism of action of Sanhuang decoction (SHD) in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The active ingredients and potential targets of SHD, as well as the human targets associated with DFUs, were obtained from various databases, including TCMSP, GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGKB, DrugBank, and others. STRING, Cytoscape 3.10.1, and Metascape were utilized for a series of network constructions and module analyses of common targets. Subsequently, the pivotal targets were chosen for molecular docking with the principal active constituents. A comprehensive screening of 59 active compounds and 447 targets associated with SHD was conducted, resulting in the identification of 182 intersection targets. Notably, key targets involved in this study included IL10, CCL2, IL6, IFNG, IL1B, CXCL8, IL2, CXCL10, IL1A, and TNF. It found that SHD was rich in various active ingredients that regulate the targets of DFUs. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and 5,8,2'-trihydroxy-7-methoxyflavone bind tightly to IL2. Our study provides preliminary insights into the modulatory effects of SHD on DFUs and identifies SHD as an effective strategy for treating DFUs through multi-component and multi-target modulation of the inflammatory response. Subsequent trials will be conducted to confirm that the above findings are expected to help improve personalized treatment for patients with DFUs.
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NewsBot · Jul 20, 2025

A review of the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with traditional Chinese medicine
LI Youshan 1et al
Beijing Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine Vol. 44, Issue 5, Pages: 536-541(2025)

Diabetic foot ulcer， as one of the most severe chronic complications of diabetes， has a complex pathogenesis involving the interplay of multiple factors such as chronic inflammation， immune microenvironment imbalance， and angiogenesis disorder. Although modern medicine has made progress in debridement and anti-infection treatments， the high recurrence and disability rates remain clinical challenges. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， based on the theories of "digital gangrene" and "sinew abscess"， proposes the core pathogenesis as "deficiency， stasis， and toxicity". Through therapeutic methods such as invigorating qi to resolve stasis and supporting the healthy qi to expel toxins， TCM significantly improves local microcirculation， regulates macrophage polarization， inhibits activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome， and clears biofilms via multi-target mechanisms， thereby promoting angiogenesis and tissue repair. This article systematically reviews the classical TCM theories and recent research advances， revealing the TCM pathogenesis of diabetic foot ulcer and its synergistic effects in regulating chronic inflammation， correcting immune imbalance， and improving angiogenesis disorder， providing a theoretical basis for integrated TCM and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment. However， current research still faces issues including the lack of a unified TCM pathogenesis theory， insufficient depth in compound mechanism studies， and absence of standardized clinical efficacy evaluation. Future research should integrate systems biology and artificial intelligence technologies to construct a dynamic "syndrome–pathology–molecular network" model， promoting precision and internationalization of TCM development and achieving a complete chain from basic research to clinical translation.
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NewsBot · Jul 23, 2025

Staged treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers based on the theory of "warming the kidney and dredging Bi-syndrome"
YANG Jun et al
Beijing Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine Vol. 44, Issue 5, Pages: 557-561(2025)

Insufficient kidney yang increases the likelihood of dampness invading the lower limbs， where numerous meridians traverse. The qi and blood transported by these meridians rely heavily on the kidneys' supply. Prolonged diabetes can further damage the kidneys and obstruct venous flow. In alignment with Professor XI Jiuyi's perspective on staging syndrome differentiation， diabetic foot gangrene is categorized into three stages： acute， remission， and stable. Treatment strategies focus on clearing heat， nourishing kidney yang， and enhancing kidney essence， while the entire process is supported by promoting blood circulation and resolving phlegm. For medicinal treatment， it is recommended to use Paris polyphylla and Bidens pilosa to clear heat and detoxify， Aconitum carmichaelii and Cinnamomum cassia to warm the yang and strengthen vitality，Ephedra sinica and Asarum heterotropoides to dissipate phlegm accumulation，Spatholobus suberectus and Carthamus tinctorius to disperse blood stasis and dredge collateral.In order to warm the kidney yang， promote blood circulation， and alleviate cold gangrene.
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NewsBot · Sep 12, 2025

Treatment as Prevention: A Review of the Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in High-Risk Diabetic Foot
Meilan Li et al
Source

Diabetic foot (DF) has emerged as one of the most common chronic consequences of diabetes mellitus, characterized by prolonged disease duration, high treatment costs, a poor prognosis, and a high disability rate. Diabetic high-risk foot is the early stage of diabetic foot, the “disease prevention” of “treating no disease”, which provides a critical window for clinical prevention and treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emphasized the importance of preventive health care since ancient times. External therapies such as acupuncture, massage, acupoint injection, foot bath fumigation, and moxibustion have the advantages of simplicity, precise efficacy, and fewer side effects in preventing and treating diabetic high-risk foot. The multidisciplinary synergistic model formed by TCM complementary therapies and modern medical treatments, such as nutritional, peripheral nerve, and blood glucose regulation, provides new ideas for establishing standardized prevention and treatment protocols. In this paper, studies related to TCM-related complementary therapies for diabetic high-risk foot are systematically reviewed. Current evidence shows that commonly used traditional Chinese medicine external therapies have different effects on improving high-risk feet in the elderly. TCM fumigation has the best effect on improving nerve conduction velocity in high-risk feet. In the future, biological research can be strengthened to explore the specific mechanism of action.
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NewsBot · Sep 25, 2025

Hydrogels incorporating active compounds from traditional Chinese medicine for diabetic wound healing: mechanistic pathways and bioengineering progress
Rui Zhang et al
Front Cell Dev Biol. 2025 Sep 9:13:1666646.

Diabetic wounds, especially foot ulcers, pose significant clinical challenges due to persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, impaired angiogenesis, and a high risk of infection. Advanced therapeutic strategies are needed to actively modulate the wound microenvironment. Hydrogels incorporating bioactive compounds derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as curcumin, baicalein, glycyrrhetinic acid, Astragalus polysaccharides, and Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides, offer a promising integrative approach. These hydrogels combine the biological activities of TCM compounds with the advantages of a moist, biocompatible wound dressing. This review highlights recent advancement (2020-2025) in TCM-based hydrogels for diabetic wound healing focusing on the design of these materials (e.g., curcumin, baicalein, glycyrrhetinic acid, Astragalus and Ganoderma polysaccharides) and the development of stimuli-responsive delivery systems (e.g., pH, enzymes, temperature, glucose and possibly magnetic/electric fields). TCM-derived compounds can not only form or reinforce hydrogel networks but also impart therapeutic functions by modulating key cellular pathways involved in anti-inflammatory (NF-κB) and antioxidant responses (Nrf2/HO-1), angiogenesis (VEGF, PI3K/Akt), and tissue regeneration (TGF-β/Smad). Challenges in translating TCM-based hydrogles into clinical use, such as pharmacokinetic variability and stability of the active compounds, are also discussed. Furthermore, representative studies are critically compared to elucidate how different TCM-hydrogel systems enchance wound healing outcomes by improving tissue regeneration, accelerating wound closure, and combating infection through responsive release and localized delivery mechanism. TCM-based hydrogels offer a novel, multi-functional platforms to diabetic wounds. They represent a novel paradigm in chronic wound management. Continued interdisciplinary research and clinical translation of these integrative biomaterials could significantly advance precision regenerative therapy for diabetic patients.
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NewsBot · Oct 3, 2025

Traditional Chinese medicine in the management of diabetic foot ulcers: an overview of meta-analyses
Xiaocui Xiong et al
Front Med (Lausanne). 2025 Sep 17:12:1651966.

Background: The global rise in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) complications necessitates more effective therapeutic strategies. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been increasingly explored as a potential adjunctive therapy for DFU management. This umbrella review synthesizes evidence from meta-analyses to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TCM interventions.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted through May 2025. Eligible meta-analyses were selected based on predefined criteria, and methodological quality was appraised using the AMSTAR 2 tool.

Results: Eleven meta-analyses, encompassing 44 datasets and reporting pooled effect sizes for seven clinical outcomes, were included. The TCM interventions analyzed were both topical and oral. The findings revealed that TCM significantly improved DFU-related outcomes, including ulcer size reduction, shortened healing time (by up to 5.7 days in some trials), increased cure rates (up to a 43% relative improvement), and enhanced overall treatment effectiveness. Notably, longer intervention durations and larger sample sizes were associated with stronger positive effects.

Conclusion: This review underscores the therapeutic potential of TCM, particularly topical formulations, in enhancing clinical outcomes and accelerating recovery in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
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NewsBot · Oct 4, 2025

Immunomodulatory mechanisms and comprehensive treatment strategies of traditional Chinese medicine for enhancing diabetic foot ulcer healing
Yunxi Fu et al
International Immunopharmacology Volume 164, 30 October 2025, 115381

Highlights

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The impaired healing of DFU is closely associated with abnormal expression of inflammatory factors, mediators, and immune cells.
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TCM exhibits immunomodulatory properties and represents a cost-effective therapeutic strategy for DFU.
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TCM regulates immune cells and signaling pathways, downregulates inflammatory factors, and accelerates wound healing.
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The integrated treatment approach combining TCM with modern medical practices has significant therapeutic effects in managing DFU.

Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most common chronic complications in patients with diabetes, primarily resulting from immune dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, and vascular impairment associated with prolonged hyperglycemia. DFU compromises skin integrity and may progress to severe infection, limb disability, or even death, posing a substantial burden on patients' quality of life.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a distinctive component of China's healthcare system, includes botanicals such as Astragalus and Salvia, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects in clinical studies. With the advancement of modern biomedical techniques, the integration of TCM and Western medicine has emerged as an effective therapeutic strategy for DFU.
This review summarizes the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of various TCM compounds and formulations relevant to DFU management, highlights the therapeutic benefits of integrated treatment approaches, and proposes directions for future research.
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NewsBot · Nov 22, 2025

Integrated treatment utilizing both Chinese and Western medicine for refractory diabetic foot ulcers: a case report
Luyao Wang et al
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2025 Nov 5:16:1704770.

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a severe complication of diabetes associated with a high risk of amputation and long-term disability. We report the case of a 57-year-old man with a Wagner grade IV DFU whose condition continued to deteriorate despite two toe amputations. An integrative treatment strategy combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine was subsequently employed and proved effective. The TCM regimen included oral decoctions and topical herbal applications, while the western medical approach encompassed targeted therapies including glycemic control, anti-infective therapy, circulatory enhancement, anticoagulation, neurotrophic support, and nutritional management. Over a 144-day course, the ulcer demonstrated near-complete closure at discharge, with full epithelialization and functional recovery confirmed at follow-up. HbA1c decreased from 13.5% to 7.0%, indicating improved metabolic control. This case illustrates that an integrative management strategy can effectively control infection, promote tissue regeneration, and restore limb function in advanced DFU.
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NewsBot · Dec 20, 2025

Examination of the Health Literacy Level and Attitudes Toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practices Among Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Descriptive and Correlational Study
Fatma Aslan, Betül Tosun, Aynur Koyuncu, Ayla Yava
Altern Ther Health Med. 2025 Jul;31(4):208-214.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the health literacy levels and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices among patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) as well as to explore the relationship between these variables.

Methods: This descriptive and correlational study involved 150 patients diagnosed with DFUs who were receiving treatment at the endocrinology clinic of a university hospital in Turkey. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, the health literacy scale (HLS), and the complementary, alternative, and conventional medicine attitude scale (CACMAS).

Results: The mean age of participants was 58.7 ± 9.6 years, with 58.7% being male. Approximately 11.5% had been living with diabetes for approximately 10 years, 88.7% had heard of CAM methods, and 40% had tried these methods for their feet. Among those who tried CAM methods, 66.7% reported them as ineffective. Significant differences in both HLS and CACMAS scores were found based on age, sex, education level, income, place of residence, duration of diabetes diagnosis, previous nonmedical treatments for the foot, and the perceived benefits or side effects of these treatments (P < .05). Higher health literacy levels were associated with a lower tendency to use CAM.

Conclusion: This study highlights significant variations in HLS and CACMAS scores among DFU patients based on specific demographic factors. As health literacy levels increased, the propensity to use CAM decreased. Therefore, it is recommended to enhance patients' access to reliable and current information about CAM practices. Communication with patients should be open and empathetic, addressing their concerns and preferences.
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NewsBot · Apr 5, 2026

Advances in Topical Chinese Herbal Medicine Formulas for Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Ye Zhou1, Xiaodi Zou et al
Source

Summary

This article reviews the use of topical Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for diabetic foot ulcers, highlighting current clinical challenges, recent evidence, therapeutic mechanisms, and the potential role of CHM as an integrative strategy to enhance wound healing and reduce complications.
Abstract

The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), varies significantly across different countries, but remains high globally. The presence of DFU is associated with escalated healthcare expenditures, compromised physical functioning, and diminished quality of life, with a 5-year mortality rate 2.5 times higher than diabetes patients without foot ulcers. Common therapeutic strategies for DFU include glycemic control, eradication of infections, alleviation of pressure on the ulcers, and facilitation of wound healing. CHM, a fundamental element of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has gained widespread recognition in both oral and topical applications for the management of chronic wounds, owing to its functions of detoxification, promotion of blood circulation, removal of blood stasis, and enhancement of wound healing, as outlined in Chinese Medicine theories. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive literature review on the utilization of topical CHM for treating DFU in order to provide evidence-based guidance for clinical practice.
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NewsBot · Jun 7, 2026

Efficacy and Safety of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Yunnan Baiyao in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: a Multicentre, Randomised Clinical Trial
Ying Zhang, Jinghui Zhao, Ershun Huang, Yunfeng Li, Xiankun Yin, Jun Zhang, Yanming Lin, Hua Zhang, Chunlei Zhang, Lu Tie, Wenhui Wang, Long Zhang
Source

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) constitute an increasing clinical challenge, driven by the escalating prevalence of diabetes and the paucity of effective therapies. This multicentre, randomised, open-label, blinded-endpoint trial investigated the efficacy and safety of Yunnan Baiyao (YNBY), a traditional Chinese medicine, as an adjunctive therapy for DFUs. Patients with DFUs (Wagner Grade 3 or 4) from three hospitals were randomised 2:2:1 to YNBY powder, YNBY ointment and control groups, all receiving standard of care. A total of 117 patients completed the trial. The 2-week percentage of wound area reduction (PWAR) was significantly higher in YNBY powder (61.5%) and YNBY ointment (70.0%) groups than that in the control group (46.4%, p < 0.01). The 1-week PWAR was almost doubled in the YNBY powder group (36.1%) and the YNBY ointment group (42.9%) relative to the control group (19.5%, p < 0.05). The percentage of complete healing within 8 weeks (control group, 25.0%; powder group, 54.2%; ointment group, 61.9%) did not reach statistical significance. No significant differences were observed between the YNBY powder and ointment groups. The adjunctive use of YNBY powder or ointment with standard therapy significantly accelerates wound closure. This effective, inexpensive, easy-to-apply traditional medicine can serve as an effective adjunct to standard DFUs care.
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NewsBot · Jun 8, 2026

Curative outcomes with metal-containing TCM in diabetic foot ulcers unresponsive to standard therapy: a case series
Yifan Zhang et al
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2026 May 8:17:1736055.

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are among the most severe complications of diabetes, often resulting in prolonged healing, recurrent infections, and a high risk of amputation. Despite comprehensive standard treatments, many patients develop chronic non-healing ulcers due to poor tissue perfusion and immune dysregulation. Traditional Chinese medicine, such as Huafu Shengji ointment (HFSJO), offers a novel topical approach that may promote tissue repair and accelerate healing in refractory cases.

Case presentation: This report describes four patients with persistent DFUs that responded poorly to conventional therapies and faced either prior amputation or an imminent risk of amputation. Ulcer sizes ranged from 3.0 cm × 3.0 cm to 7.0 cm × 5.0 cm, with comorbidities including hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In addition to routine wound care, patients received topical HFSJO treatment every other day. Within 30-180 days, all wounds showed substantial granulation, epithelialization, and eventual closure. No clinically significant abnormalities in the liver or renal function tests or routine hematological parameters were observed during treatment or follow-up.

Conclusion: Topical application of HFSJO appears to be a safe and effective conservative strategy for the management of complex DFUs, particularly in patients unsuitable for surgery or unresponsive to standard care. Through its dual mechanism, i.e., targeted debridement and regenerative stimulation, it may help overcome healing stagnation. These cases offer a promising direction for integrative wound care and warrant further validation in controlled clinical trials.
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NewsBot · Jul 11, 2026

The Efficacy of Yanghe Decoction on Diabetic Foot: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Xia Wang et al
Int J Endocrinol. 2026 Apr 30:2026:9924142.

Purpose: To evaluate the potential clinical effect of Yanghe decoction on diabetic foot.

Methods: We comprehensively searched Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases from their inception to December 6, 2025, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating Yanghe decoction for DF. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 15.0 software.

Results: A total of 15 studies with 1224 patients were included, 614 in the treatment group and 610 in the control group. The results suggest that the total effective rate of the treatment group may be higher than that of the control group (RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.29, p < 0.00001). The wound healing time of the treatment group may be shorter than that of the control group (MD = -9.36, 95% CI: -14.21 to -4.50, p = 0.0002), and the treatment group may have potential advantages over the control group in the improvement of wound area after treatment (SMD = -2.57, 95%CI: -3.94 to -1.20, p = 0.0002). There was no statistically significant difference in the ankle-brachial index (ABI) between the treatment group and the control group (MD = 0.05, 95% CI: -0.09 to 0.18, p = 0.51). The funnel plot of the total effective rate between the treatment group and the control group suggested that there was a publication bias in the effective rate. Further analysis of the results by the nonparametric trim and filling method suggested that the results of the meta-analysis were relatively stable, and the possible publication bias did not substantially affect the results.

Conclusions: Low certainty evidence suggests that Yanghe decoction may potentially improve the clinical symptoms of diabetic foot, may shorten the wound healing time, and may reduce the wound area. However, the independent clinical efficacy of Yanghe decoction for diabetic foot cannot be determined due to the high heterogeneity of cointerventions in the included studies. This study is further limited by the insufficient quantity and quality of the included studies, and the above tentative implications need to be verified by more large-sample and multicenter RCT studies that standardize interventions and control for cointervention variables.
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NewsBot · Jul 28, 2026

Efficacy and Safety of Zizhu Ointment for Wagner Grade 2 Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Xiao-Yu Li et al
Chin J Integr Med. 2026 Jul 28.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Zizhu Ointment (ZZO) in treating Wagner grade 2 diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Methods: In this single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, using SPSS 26.0, a computer-generated random number sequence was used to randomly assign 154 patients with Wagner grade 2 DFUs in a 1:1 ratio to either the ZZO group (n=77) or the placebo control group (n=77). Both groups received conventional therapy and standard debridement. Patients received the assigned intervention as a topical application for 6 weeks, followed by a 6-week follow-up period. The primary outcome was the ulcer healing rate at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome scores, transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2), wound blood flow, and safety indicators.

Results: After 6 weeks, the ulcer healing rate was significantly higher in the ZZO group than in the placebo control group (67.59% ± 22.69% vs. 28.81% ± 15.80%, P<0.001). This superiority was maintained at the end of the 6-week follow-up (80.95% ±19.16% vs. 42.20% ±21.93%, P<0.001). The ZZO group also demonstrated significantly greater improvements in reducing ulcer area and depth, improving CM syndrome scores, TcPO2, and wound blood flow (all P<0.05). The incidence of adverse events was comparable between the two groups (P>0.05).

Conclusions: ZZO effectively promotes the healing of Wagner grade 2 DFUs, ameliorates the wound microenvironment and CM symptoms, and exhibits a favorable safety profile.
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NewsBot · Aug 5, 2026

Efficacy and Safety of Medicinal Encircling Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Panpan Li et al
Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2026 Jul 23:22:602768.

Purpose: Diabetic foot ulcers represent a major clinical challenge due to delayed healing and high risk of complications. Medicinal encircling therapy, a traditional external treatment, has been widely used as an adjunctive intervention in clinical practice. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of medicinal encircling therapy combined with conventional treatment for diabetic foot ulcers.

Material and methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major English and Chinese databases from inception to November 1, 2025. Randomized controlled trials comparing medicinal encircling therapy plus conventional care versus conventional care alone were included. Primary and secondary outcomes related to ulcer healing, symptom improvement, inflammatory markers, pain, and adverse events were synthesized using risk ratios or mean differences with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. This systematic review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD420261299230).

Results: Fifteen randomized controlled trials were included, all of which were published in Chinese. The pooled results showed that adjunctive medicinal encircling therapy significantly improved complete ulcer healing rate compared with conventional treatment alone (RR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.39-2.28). Overall clinical response and several secondary outcomes generally favored the intervention, although heterogeneity was observed for some outcomes. No serious treatment-related adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that medicinal encircling therapy may be a promising adjunctive treatment for diabetic foot ulcers; however, the certainty and generalizability of the evidence are limited by methodological shortcomings, incomplete safety reporting, and the inclusion of Chinese-language studies only. Further high-quality, multicenter randomized controlled trials are warranted.
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NewsBot · Aug 6, 2026

Efficacy and safety of resina draconis as an adjuvant therapy for diabetic foot ulcer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Shiwei Zhou et al
Front Pharmacol. 2026 Jul 22:17:1823436.

Background: Resina Draconis, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with wound-healing properties, has been increasingly used as an adjunctive treatment for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Resina Draconis in the treatment of DFUs.

Methods: Five electronic databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to December 2025. Eligible studies compared Resina Draconis combined with conventional therapy versus conventional therapy alone in patients with DFUs. Dichotomous outcomes were expressed as risk ratios (RRs), and continuous outcomes as mean differences (MDs), both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Fourteen RCTs involving 1,011 participants were included. The meta-analysis showed that adjunctive treatment with Resina Draconis significantly improved the overall healing response (RR = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.20-0.39; P < 0.00001), shortened wound-healing time (MD = -11.66; 95% CI, -21.62 to -1.69; P = 0.02), and reduced serum C-reactive protein levels (MD = -1.99; 95% CI, -2.99 to -0.99; P < 0.0001). No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: Resina Draconis may be an effective and safe adjunctive therapy for DFUs, potentially enhancing wound healing and reducing systemic inflammation. However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the limited sample sizes and potential publication bias of the included studies. Further large-scale, rigorously designed RCTs are needed to confirm these results.
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Chinese medicine and diabetic foot ulcers

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Chinese medicine and diabetic foot ulcers

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Patent granted for Chinese medicine treatment for "pedopathy"

Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis

HPC to regulate Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Traditional Chinese

Chinese speaking podiatrist wanted!! new grad welcome

Chinese Foot Binding

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