Indian Researchers Discover Natural Molecule to Speed Diabetic Wound Healing
Summary: Led by Professor Pranav Kumar Prabhakar at Nagaland University and Dr. Jeena Gupta at Lovely Professional University, a groundbreaking study published in Nature Scientific Reports identifies sinapic acid—a plant-derived antioxidant—as the first oral therapy to accelerate diabetic wound healing through SIRT1 pathway activation. In preclinical models, low-dose oral sinapic acid (20 mg/kg) promoted tissue repair, angiogenesis, and inflammation control more effectively than higher doses, addressing systemic barriers like poor circulation and oxidative stress in diabetic foot ulcers. With an inverted dose-response curve, this accessible molecule offers a non-invasive, patentable solution for resource-limited settings, potentially reducing global amputation rates via upcoming pilot clinical trials and scalable formulations.
Key Highlights:
- Sinapic acid, from fruits/vegetables, targets SIRT1 to enhance blood vessel formation and reduce inflammation, tackling diabetic healing delays.
- Preclinical results: Low dose outperformed higher ones, showing faster closure without side effects; first global oral demonstration.
- Delivery advantage: Systemic bioavailability via oral route avoids invasive topicals, ideal for rural diabetics.
- Publication: Nature Scientific Reports (DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-03890-z); researchers developing affordable, patentable versions.
- Impact: Could transform wound care accessibility, lowering amputation risks in high-burden areas like India.
Keywords: sinapic acid, diabetic wound healing, SIRT1 pathway, oral therapy, Nagaland University