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Therapeutic Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Medicinal Plants in the Management of Diabetic Ulcers: A Narrative Review
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H Ebrahimi1   , M Mazaheri2 , A Honarvar3 , M Jafari Barmak3 , J Mohammadi4 |
1- Student Research Committee, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
2- Department of Iranian Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
4- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran. , j.mohammadi.4554@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (1979 Views) |
Background & aim: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are severe complications of diabetes mellitus, affecting 15–20% of patients and potentially leading to amputation or mortality. The complex pathophysiology of DFUs, characterized by impaired wound healing, poses significant therapeutic challenges. Conventional treatments often exhibit limited efficacy and high costs. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the reparative effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of selected medicinal plants, with a focus on their potential as complementary therapies for DFU management.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted following a comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Search strategies included keywords such as "diabetic ulcers," "medicinal plants," "wound healing," "antioxidants," and specific botanical names including Vitis vinifera, Launaea acanthodes, Nigella sativa, Morus nigra, Fumaria parviflora, Elettaria cardamomum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Melilotus officinalis, Curcuma longa, Prosopis farcta, Juglans regia, and Ferula assa-foetida. From an initial pool of 36 articles, 26 studies met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to detailed qualitative analysis.
Results: The reviewed literature indicates that extracts from medicinal plants rich in bioactive constituents (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential oils) significantly accelerate DFU healing. Key mechanisms include attenuation of oxidative stress, enhancement of collagen synthesis, promotion of angiogenesis, and modulation of inflammatory cytokines. Specific plants such as Nigella sativa, Curcuma longa, and Vitis vinifera demonstrated potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, several extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity, reducing the risk of secondary infections—a critical factor in DFU management.
Conclusion: Medicinal plants offer a promising, multifaceted approach to managing diabetic ulcers by targeting key pathological pathways, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Their advantages, including fewer adverse effects and cost-effectiveness, position them as viable adjunctive therapies. However, rigorous clinical trials are warranted to standardize dosages and validate efficacy before widespread clinical adoption.
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| Keywords: Iabetic foot ulcers, Medicinal plants, Wound healing, Antioxidant mechanisms, Iranian Traditional Medicine, Phytotherapy |
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Type of Study: Review Article |
Subject:
Physiology
Received: 2025/03/11 | Accepted: 2025/06/8 | Published: 2025/11/30
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Ebrahimi H, Mazaheri M, Honarvar A, Jafari Barmak M, Mohammadi J. Therapeutic Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Medicinal Plants in the Management of Diabetic Ulcers: A Narrative Review. armaghanj 2025; 30 (6) :927-951 URL: http://armaghanj.yums.ac.ir/article-1-3782-en.html
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