Researchers at Nagaland University have discovered that sinapic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in edible plants, significantly accelerates wound healing in diabetic conditions. This development offers a potentially safer and cost-effective alternative to synthetic drugs, which often have side effects and limited efficacy.
Diabetic wounds, especially foot ulcers, are a major complication of diabetes, frequently leading to infections and amputations due to delayed healing caused by poor blood circulation and nerve damage. The identification of sinapic acid as a therapeutic agent could transform the management of these chronic wounds.
The study, published in Nature Scientific Reports, demonstrated that oral administration of sinapic acid improves wound healing in preclinical models. The compound activates the SIRT1 pathway, which is critical for tissue repair, angiogenesis, and inflammation control. Activation of this pathway also helps normalize blood glucose levels, reduce oxidative stress, and promote tissue regeneration.
Interestingly, the research found an inverted dose-response effect, where a lower dose (20 mg/kg) was more effective than a higher dose (40 mg/kg), emphasizing the importance of optimal dosing for therapeutic efficacy. 1
Sinapic acid is found in common edible plants like basil, cherry, and garden cress, which have traditionally been valued for their antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. This discovery reinforces the therapeutic potential of plant-based compounds in modern medicine and highlights the benefits of exploring natural remedies for chronic conditions like diabetes.
In individuals with diabetes, the body’s ability to repair even minor skin injuries is often compromised. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, reducing circulation and sensation in the limbs. As a result, wounds may receive less oxygen and essential nutrients, heal more slowly, and may go unnoticed due to nerve damage.
Additionally, a weakened immune response and chronic inflammation further impair healing and raise the risk of infections, ulcers, gangrene and even amputation. Vigilant daily skin and foot inspections, stringent blood-glucose control, and prompt care of any cuts or sores are therefore critical to prevent these serious complications. 2
Oral therapy with sinapic acid could reduce healing time, prevent severe infections, and lower the risk of amputations for diabetic patients.
Researchers at Nagaland University are now planning pilot clinical trials to further validate the efficacy and safety of sinapic acid in human subjects. If successful, this could lead to the development of affordable, plant-based treatments for diabetic wounds on a larger scale.
1. Dubey, Rupal, Sourbh Suren Garg, Navneet Khurana, Pranav Kumar Prabhakar, and Jeena Gupta. “Sinapic Acid Accelerates Diabetic Wound Healing by Promoting Angiogenesis and Reducing Oxidative Stress.” Scientific Reports 15 (2025): 33796. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-03890-z
2. Healthline. “Diabetes and Wound Healing: Why Is It Slower?” Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD. Written by Sandra Silva. Last modified March 26, 2025. Accessed October 21, 2025. https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-and-wound-healing
(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)