Effectiveness and Tolerability of Topical Curcumin for Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Pilot Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect 9.1 to 26.1 million individuals globally each year, with 15-25% of those with diabetes mellitus (DM) experiencing them during their lives. DFUs are a major cause of amputations, accounting for 85% of such cases in diabetic patients. Curcumin, a compound from Curcuma longa, shows potential in wound healing through mechanisms such as inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, promoting autophagy, and regulating microRNA expression. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of C3-DiagardTM Cream in treating DFUs. Methods: This open-label, prospective clinical study assessed the efficacy and safety of C3-DiagardTM cream, containing 0.05mg of Harida (Curcuma longa) extract, in treating and preventing DFUs. The cream was applied twice daily for 12 weeks. Key outcomes were assessed through wound size reduction, pain (VAS score), and any adverse reactions during the treatment. Results: Fifty DM patients (36 males, 14 females; mean age 57.58±12.67 years) were enrolled. Among the patients, 75% (38 individuals) showed a wound healing response between 70% and 99%. The average wound size decreased significantly from 6.63 cm<sup>2</sup> at baseline to 1.83 cm<sup>2</sup> after 12 weeks, with a mean reduction of 4.8 cm<sup>2</sup> (p < 0.05). Pain levels, measured by VAS score, significantly dropped from an average of 8 to 3 (p < 0.05). No adverse reactions were reported, highlighting the cream’s safety. Conclusion: C3-DiagardTM cream is effective in reducing the size of diabetic foot ulcers and alleviating pain, with a favourable safety profile. This study supports the clinical use of C3-DiagardTM as a well-tolerated treatment option for patients with DFUs.