Sinapic Acid: A Natural Boost for Diabetic Wound Healing
Summary: Researchers at Nagaland University have discovered sinapic acid, a natural antioxidant from edible plants, as a promising oral therapy for accelerating diabetic wound healing, particularly foot ulcers. Published in Nature Scientific Reports, the preclinical study in diabetic rat models showed that a low dose (20 mg/kg) significantly enhanced tissue repair, reduced oxidative stress, and improved metabolic health more effectively than higher doses, exhibiting an inverted dose-response curve. By activating the SIRT1 pathway, sinapic acid promotes angiogenesis, controls inflammation, and mitigates infection risks, offering a safe, affordable alternative to synthetic drugs with potential to cut amputation rates in resource-limited settings.
Key Highlights:
- Sinapic acid, found in fruits and vegetables, was administered orally to diabetic rats, leading to faster wound closure and better glucose control compared to controls.
- Low dose (20 mg/kg) outperformed higher (40 mg/kg), highlighting optimal dosing for clinical translation and minimizing side effects.
- Mechanisms: SIRT1 activation boosts new blood vessel formation, reduces inflammation, and counters oxidative damage central to delayed diabetic healing.
- Relevance to foot ulcers: Addresses neuropathy, poor circulation, and infection vulnerabilities, potentially reducing global diabetic amputation burdens.
- Next steps: Pilot human trials planned to confirm efficacy, positioning sinapic acid as an accessible plant-based intervention for chronic wounds.
Keywords: sinapic acid, diabetic foot ulcers, SIRT1 pathway, natural antioxidant, wound healing compound, Rupal Dubey, Sourbh Suren Garg, Navneet Khurana