Resveratrol Promotes Foot Ulcer Size Reduction in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Abstract

Objective . The effect of a proprietary formulation of trans -resveratrol ( t -RSV) on manifestations of diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) was studied in type 2 diabetic patients with newly diagnosed diabetic foot ulcers. Method . Placebo-controlled, examiner-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled pilot clinical trial (ACTRN Clinical Trial Registry number 12610000629033 ) involving 24 patients with DFS (15 males and 9 females, average age of 56.4 ± 9.1 years) divided into the placebo and RSV-treatment groups was performed. 50 mg of t -RSV or placebo capsules was given to each patient twice a day over a 60-day time period. Results . Reduction in the parameters reflecting diabetic ulcer size was more profound in the RSV group as compared to placebo. RSV-treated patients also had a marginally improved performance in the foot pressure test. A statistically significant decline in the plasma fibrinogen level, but not CRP, was also found in the RSV-treated patients. Some improvement in the plasma lipid profile and fasting glucose levels were not related to RSV-treatment, since they have been seen on both the RSV and placebo groups, revealing the effectiveness of medical supervision and education in the newly diagnosed patients with DFS. Conclusion . t -RSV supplementation promotes reduction of the foot ulcer size and reduces plasma fibrinogen level in type 2 diabetic patients.