$$\rightleftharpoonup{xx}$$
$$\longleftharp{xx}$$,
$$\longrightharp{xx}$$,
Pathophysiology of DFU
DFU is characterized by a disruption of the epidermis and at least partial involvement of the dermis in individuals with diabetes. Its development is attributed to multifactorial causes, including peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetic peripheral sensory, motor, and autonomic neuropathy13.
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) most commonly presents as symmetric polyneuropathy with pain or paresthesia, though up to 50% of cases may be asymptomatic14. It involves sensory, motor, and autonomic deficits15. Sensory neuropathy causes loss of pain, temperature, and proprioception, increasing unnoticed injuries and abnormal gait16. Motor neuropathy induces muscle atrophy-especially of extensors-leading to deformities, gait abnormalities, and pressure-related ulcers16. Autonomic neuropathy reduces sweating, causing dry, fissured skin and impaired vasoconstriction, which leads to edema and delayed wound healing17.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
PAD refers to the stenosis or occlusion of blood vessels in the extremities, typically the lower limbs, leading to diminished perfusion11,19. Its development and acceleration are closely linked to diabetes19 and result in the manifestations of a distinctive phenotype in PAD20. In contrast to individuals without diabetes, individuals with diabetes who have PAD are more susceptible to experiencing extensive arterial blockages that span long segments18. Moreover, they exhibit medial arterial calcification instead of the intraluminal atherosclerosis commonly observed in nondiabetic PAD21. The presence of PAD plays a pivotal role in approximately 50%-70% of cases involving DFU, thereby presenting a significant risk for delayed wound healing, infection, the necessity for amputation, and mortality22,23 (Figure 2).
Chinese herbal formula
The practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), rooted in Oriental philosophy and culture, encompasses a range of modalities, including acupuncture, therapeutic exercises, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and massage, for both curative and preventive purposes. TCM is recognized as a form of complementary and alternative medicine in Western countries24. In the extensive chronicles of Chinese history, TCM, specifically topical application of Chinese herbal remedies, has been extensively employed for the management of diabetic foot ulcers, exhibiting favorable outcomes and presenting numerous advantages such as convenience and cost-effectiveness25.
Topical medicine (Table 1)
Tangzu Yuyang Ointment
Tangzu Yuyang Ointment (TYO), a topical CHM, consists of two natural minerals and nine herbs26. The components include Duanshigao (Gypsum fibrosum praeparatum), Xuejie (Daemonorops draco Bl), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort), Huanglian (Coptis chinensis Franch), Cangzu (Atractylodes lancea), Sanqi (Panax notoginseng), Danggui (Angelica sinensis), Zicao (Arnebia euchroma), Huangbo (Phellodendron chinense Schneid), Dahuang (Rheum officinale Baill), Bingpian (Borneolum syntheticum). Sesame oil and Beeswax as used as the base constituents.
A randomized controlled study was conducted by Li et al., which included diabetic patients with grade 1-3 DFU according to Wagner's classification, excluding those with ischemic involvement26. The study, comprising a total of 57 patients, was stratified into two cohorts: standard wound treatment (SWT) and SWT supplemented with TYO. The results demonstrated that there was a significant improvement in the TYO group at 12 weeks (79.2% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.017) and 24 weeks (91.7% vs. 50%, p = 0.003). In addition, another evaluation revealed a reduction of over 50% in the area of the ulcer, demonstrating a significant difference between the groups at 24 weeks (70.8% vs. 41.7%; p = 0.08)25.
She Xiang Yu Hong ointment
She Xiang Yu Hong (SXYH), as a kind of TCM, is used for the treatment of diabetic foot infection and bedsores in Chinese hospitals for more than decades25. However, limited research has been conducted to assess the impact of SXYH on wound healing. Li et al.27 conducted an investigation to evaluate the efficacy of SXYH using a comprehensive macroscopic approach, which encompassed assessment of wound healing area, examination of pathological sections, analysis of inflammatory factors, and utilization of immunohistochemical methods.
The study27 monitored wound size over a period of 3 weeks. In terms of skin appearance, the SXYH ointment group exhibited superior outcomes. Specifically, at 7 days, the rate of wound healing was significantly accelerated in the SXYH ointment group compared to the control group. The results of Masson's trichrome staining revealed that the collagen fibers in the SXYH ointment-treated group exhibited a significantly greater extent and more organized arrangement compared to those in the untreated group. Furthermore, biopsy results revealed a noticeable reduction in the concentration of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, pivotal factors contributing to persistent inflammation, within the SXYH group at 7 days and 14 days. Finally, immunohistochemical staining results demonstrated a significant increase in the positive expression of CD31 and VEGF, both of which are known to contribute to wound healing, at 7 and 14 days within the SXYH group.
Zizhu ointment
Zizhu ointment consists of Zhusa (Cinnabaris), Zicao (Arnebia guttata Bunge), Huangqi (Astragalus mongholicus Bunge), Ejiao (Asini corii colla), Bingpian (Borneolum), and Xuejie (Calamus draco Willd)28. It has demonstrated its efficacy in significantly improving the cure rate for chronic ulcers in the lower limbs across numerous cases29.
In order to assess the efficacy of Zizhu ointment in enhancing wound healing in diabetic models, Han et al. devised an experimental design that simulated diabetic wound healing by inducing burns on non-diabetic or diabetic rats using a heated metal plate29. Subsequently, the rats were categorized into two groups: wounded rats (group A) and diabetic wounded rats (group D). The diabetic wounded rats were inoculated with a combination of S. aureus or P. aeruginosa and subsequently referred to as the Infectious Wounded Rat group (Group F). Varying dosages of Zizhu ointment were topically administered to the injured area for a duration of 2 weeks. The levels of inflammatory response-related factors, such as CRP, IL6, and NO, exhibited a significant decrease in both group D and group F. In addition, the groups treated with Zizhu ointment exhibited a decrease in the expression of angiogenic factors, including CD34 and VEGF. Previous studies28,30 have reported an increase in NF-κB, JNK, and PI3K proteins within wound tissues of diabetic individuals. After treatment with different doses of Zizhu ointment, the activation levels of PI3K, P65, and JNK were significantly reduced (Figure 3, Figure 4).
Shengji ointment
Shengji ointment consists of Danggui (Angelica sinensis), Dihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa), Shigao (Gypsum fibrosum), Xueyutan (Crinis carbonisatus), calamina, and beeswax. Zhao et al. conducted a multicenter, randomized controlled trial, which recruited 180 patients with diabetic foot ulcers classified as Wagner grade 3-4 from four hospitals31. In addition to routine medical and surgical treatment, including glycemic control, blood pressure reduction, and debridement, the intervention group received topical application of Shengji ointment, while the control group was treated with a hydrocolloid dressing for wound coverage. After a 4-week observation period, the study concluded that the application of Chinese herbal Shengi ointment appears to promote granulation tissue formation, thereby accelerating the wound healing process.
Jing Wan Hong ointment
Jin Wan Hong comprises approximately 30 Chinese herbal components, including Radix Ampelopsis, Angelica dahurica, Chinese lobelia, Borneol, Rhizoma Atractylodis, Red Peony Root, Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, and Pangolin. The formula exerts effects of promoting blood circulation to eliminate stasis, clearing heat, resolving dampness, and reducing swelling through detoxification, thereby facilitating ulcer healing32.
To investigate its therapeutic efficacy in diabetic foot ulcers associated with nerve injury, Jin et al. established a Wistar rat model induced by streptozotocin injection combined with sciatic nerve clamp injury. The animals were divided into four groups: diabetic control (DC), diabetic nerve injury model (DNIM), Jing Wan Hong (JWH) treatment, and recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) as a positive control. The ointment was applied topically once daily for 21 days32. Macroscopic observation revealed that rats in the JWH group exhibited marked reductions in foot ulcer size and Wagner grade, with wound closure exceeding 80% after 21 days of treatment-comparable to the rhEGF-treated group. Histological examination confirmed re-epithelialization, reduction of inflammatory infiltration, and restoration of dermal structure, contrasting sharply with the persistent necrosis and exudation observed in the DNIM group. At the molecular level, Jing Wan Hong significantly upregulated platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) mRNA, a key mediator in wound repair, while exerting minimal influence on TGF-β, VEGF, or FLT-1 expression32. The increased PDGF expression likely contributed to enhanced fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling, accelerating wound closure without affecting systemic glucose levels (Figure 5).
Perspective on the use of TCM
Although current literature suggests that Chinese herbal medicine may have a positive impact on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, numerous studies33,34 suffer from limitations such as small sample sizes and imprecise study designs35. These issues raise concerns regarding the reliability and validity of the conclusion.
Traditional CHM usually contains multiple active ingredients, which may interact with each other. There may also be variations in the composition and concentration of these ingredients among different batches of the same drug. This complexity makes standardization difficult and increases the risk of side effects and drug allergies36. Although traditional Chinese herbal medicine is generally regarded as natural and safe, the topical application of these herbs may still elicit local irritation, allergic reactions, or other dermatological complications. This is particularly pertinent for individuals with diabetes whose skin tends to exhibit heightened fragility and sensitivity towards external irritants and infections37. Consequently, exercising additional caution when employing topical herbal preparations is imperative.
The mechanism of action and clinical efficacy of the topical application of traditional Chinese herbal medicine remain incompletely elucidated, with a dearth of effective monitoring methods and standards, posing challenges in quantifying and evaluating treatment outcomes38. Simultaneously, interindividual variations may lead to divergent responses among patients despite receiving the same treatment regimen. The absorption efficiency of topical medications is limited by the barrier function of the skin, especially in diabetic skin lesions, where transdermal drug absorption may be more challenging, affecting treatment efficacy37. Additionally, delivering active ingredients stably to the affected areas is also a technical challenge. The application of traditional CHM for the topical treatment of diabetes has not yet established a standardized framework and guideline, hindering the provision of systematic and scientifically guided care. Clinical practitioners and patients often rely on experiential knowledge and traditional therapies, which compromise consistency and normativity in the treatment process.