Efficacy of Curcumin for Wound Repair in Diabetic Rats/Mice: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Preclinical Studies

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #curcumin #diabetes-mellitus-experimental #diabetic-foot #humans

Efficacy of Curcumin for Wound Repair in Diabetic Rats/Mice: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Preclinical Studies

Li et al., 2022 | Curr Pharm Des | Meta Analysis

Citation

Li Yuan, Zhao Sheng, ... Lin Cai. Efficacy of Curcumin for Wound Repair in Diabetic Rats/Mice: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Preclinical Studies. Curr Pharm Des. 2022;28(3):187-197. doi:10.2174/1381612827666210617122026

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Curcumin possesses multiple bioactivities that have beneficial effects on diabetic foot ulcers. Herein, we aimed to conduct a preclinical systematic review of 9 studies, including a total of 262 animals, to assess the possible mechanisms of curcumin for wound healing in diabetic animals. METHODS: Five databases were searched from inception to May 12, 2020; Rev-Man 5.3 software was applied for data analyses. Cochrane Collaboration's tool 10-item checklist was used to evaluate the methodological quality, and data revealed scores of risk of bias ranging from 2 to 5. RESULTS: Meta-analysis indicated that curcumin had significant effects on wound healing rate and blood vessel density when compared with control (P < 0.05). The wound regeneration properties of curcumin for diabetic wounds are thought to mainly work through the possible mechanisms of antioxidation, enhanced cell proliferation, increased collagen formation, and angiogenesis. However, the anti-inflammatory effect on wounds in diabetic animals remain controversial. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that more randomized controlled trials should be pursued to obtain more reliable results regarding inflammatory response. Overall, curcumin might be a probable candidate for diabetic foot ulcers and may contribute to future clinical trials.

Key Findings

Meta-analysis indicated that curcumin had significant effects on wound healing rate and blood vessel density when compared with control (P < 0.05). The wound regeneration properties of curcumin for diabetic wounds are thought to mainly work through the possible mechanisms of antioxidation, enhanced cell proliferation, increased collagen formation, and angiogenesis. However, the anti-inflammatory effect on wounds in diabetic animals remain controversial.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 9
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Curcumin
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental
  • Diabetic Foot
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Rats
  • Wound Healing

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: curcumin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09