New Delhi, October 21 (IANS). Scientists of Nagaland University have discovered ‘Sinapic Acid’, a special substance found in a natural plant, which helps in quick healing of wounds of diabetic patients.
Diabetic patients often have wounds that do not heal quickly, especially on the feet. These are also called diabetic foot ulcers. Such wounds damage the nerves and blood does not reach properly, due to which there is a risk of infection increasing. Sometimes the condition becomes so serious that the leg has to be amputated. Treatment for this serious problem has so far been limited and expensive, and the drugs have some side effects.
This research published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports states that upon consumption of sinapic acid, it has proved effective in healing diabetic wounds quickly.
Sinapic acid is a natural antioxidant found in many types of edible plants. It is very beneficial for the body as it fights harmful free radicals.
Researchers discovered that Synaptic activates a specific pathway in the body called the SIRT1 pathway. This pathway plays an important role in maintaining body tissue, forming new blood vessels, and reducing inflammation.
In research, sinapic acid was tested on diabetic animals and the results were very good.
With this discovery, treatment of diabetic wounds can now become natural and safe in future. This will also reduce the problem of side effects of medicines.
“Diabetes is a huge disease that affects millions of people across the world,” said Professor Pranab Kumar Prabhakar, head of the department of biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Nagaland University. Diabetes causes wounds to heal slowly, which can lead to infections and serious conditions. In such a situation, giving sinapic acid in small quantities was more beneficial, whereas in larger quantities its effect was less. This is called ‘inverted dose response’. This means that it is very important to take the medicine in the right quantity, which will further help in making the medicine.
This discovery is a great relief especially for those patients who live in poor or rural areas, because this medicine is cheap, natural and easily available.
Research has also proven that sinapic acid not only helps in wound healing, but it also improves the body’s metabolism and reduces oxidative stress caused by diabetes.
–IANS
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