Turmeric/oregano formulations for treatment of diabetic ulcer wounds.

Diabetic wound infections and pressure ulcers pose a significant challenge to healthcare providers worldwide. The current study provides new and innovative wound care products that reduce inflammation, clear infection, and improve healing in an animal model of pressure ulcers in diabetic rats. Ointment, hydrogel, and nanofiber dressings were synthesized using 5% turmeric, 1% oregano, and 1% chitosan nanoparticles and tested for antibacterial and cytotoxicity in vitro, and wound healing effects in vivo. Turmeric ethanolic extract showed high antioxidant activity compared to Oregano, Chitosan Nanoparticles, and Alginate silver (p-value < 0.0001). The ointment and hydrogel formulation (5% Turmeric, 1% Oregano, and 1% chitosan) showed lower cytotoxicity compared to the commercial Alginate silver dressing. Ointment, hydrogel formulations, and commercial Alginate silver, showed significant antibacterial activity with 100% efficacy on both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (p-value < 0.0001), compared to nanofibers which showed 50% reduction in bacterial growth (p-value < 0.0001). The new formulations were tested in a rat model of pressure ulcers. Ointment and nanofibers achieved complete wound healing by day 15 compared to the hydrogel and commercial Alginate silver dressing, which showed higher infection, and the wound remained partially open by day 21. In conclusion, Turmeric, Oregano extracts, and chitosan nanoparticles can be used for effective wound dressings in both diabetic and non-diabetic wounds. At relatively low concentrations, this combination provides a promising new wound treatment formulation that is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.

Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Extract in streptozocin-induced diabetic model.

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to ameliorate complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study is to compare the effects of the oral curcumin supplement versus parenteral administration of turmeric extract on diabetic complications in a streptozocin (STZ) diabetic model. STZ DM rats received low and high doses turmeric extract intraperitoneally as well as oral curcumin. Curcumin and turmeric extracts significantly reduced blood glucose and creatinine levels, but not urea, and caused an increase in uric acid. Low dose improved liver enzymes, while higher dose and oral administration caused an increase in the ALT and AST. All groups showed an improvement in the serum cholesterol, while the triglycerides were not improved in the high and oral treatment. Histological evaluation showed islet cell protection. High-dose injection showed almost intact renal corpuscles as well as tubular structures with minimal degeneration. Treatment showed limited protection of Liver tissue. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Curcumin has been heavily marketed as a protective agent. The current study shows some potential risk of curcumin use. Oral and injectable curcumin should be used with caution. Turmeric extract and oral curcumin supplement showed protective effects on pancreatic, and renal structure and function. Although both did show some improvement in liver function, higher doses caused disturbance in liver enzymes and did not show histological evidence of liver tissue protection.