Researchers at Nagaland University have identified a plant-based compound with strong potential for treating diabetic wounds, marking what they describe as a global first in demonstrating its oral effectiveness.
The study, published in Nature Scientific Reports under the Nature Portfolio, found that Sinapic acid, a naturally occurring antioxidant found in several edible plants, can significantly accelerate wound healing in diabetic conditions when administered orally.
The research shows that Sinapic acid activates the SIRT1 pathway, which helps in tissue repair, angiogenesis, and inflammation control. This finding, scientists say, could lead to the development of affordable and natural oral treatments to manage diabetic wounds and reduce amputation risks.
The multidisciplinary study was led by Prof. Pranav Kumar Prabhakar, Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Nagaland University, in collaboration with researchers from Lovely Professional University, Punjab. The team included Rupal Dubey, Sourbh Suren Garg, Navneet Khurana, and Jeena Gupta.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik said the discovery reflected the university’s commitment to addressing healthcare challenges through innovation rooted in nature. “This discovery highlights the strength of our scientific community and its contribution to improving healthcare solutions,” he said.
Prof. Prabhakar said diabetes remains one of the world’s leading chronic diseases, often leading to delayed wound healing and, in severe cases, amputation. “Existing drugs have limited efficacy and can cause side effects. We explored Sinapic acid as a safe, plant-based alternative capable of reducing inflammation, repairing tissue, and promoting new blood vessel formation,” he explained.
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The study also observed an ‘inverted dose-response’ effect, with a lower dose (20 mg/kg) showing better results than a higher one (40 mg/kg). This finding, the researchers noted, has important implications for dosage design in future drug development.
Co-author Dr. Jeena Gupta said that oral delivery offers advantages over topical or invasive treatments, improving bioavailability and allowing the compound to act directly at the wound site. The team is now developing a patentable oral formulation for easier administration and cost-effective production ahead of planned clinical trials.
The next phase of the research will focus on molecular pathway analysis, safety and pharmacokinetic studies, and pilot trials in diabetic patients. Researchers say the discovery could support India’s goal of promoting traditional medicine and nutraceutical innovations by offering a sustainable, affordable, and culturally compatible approach to healthcare.
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