Expedited and Progressive Healing of Severe Diabetic Foot Ulcer with Novel Botanical Supercharged Wound Hydrogel After Limited Success with Previous Treatments

Introduction: In the United States (US), approximately 37.3 million people have diabetes. Complications may include development of ulcers that can be life threatening if not diagnosed timely, promptly treated, and managed properly. Wound healing in these patients may become chronic, fail to heal, and continue to progress, resulting in tissue damage, infection, and peripheral vascular problems. Other challenges include decline in functionality, hospitalization and, if not properly addressed, could lead to amputation of lower extremities and death. A new species of the botanical, Inula viscosa, (AGS-RIED), yields a wide array of sesquiterpenoids, especially sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), as the main secondary metabolites. Inuviscolide and Tomentosin are two well-known sesquiterpene lactones that exhibit antimicrobial, antitumor, antiinflammatory, antifungal, and antimalarial activity. This extract has been incorporated into an over the counter (OTC) supercharged wound hydrogel (LAVIOR Wound Care Gel®) that exhibits anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial properties, is nontoxic, and has shown to expedite healing of chronic wounds. This case report reports the successful treatment of a 50-year-old patient with a deep foot ulcer. Expedited and progressive healing over 8-weeks was attained with the botanical-based wound hydrogel after limited effectiveness with other treatments.   Methods:Patient Presentation: 50-year-old male with 10-year+ history of T2D presenting with a diabetic foot ulcer on right foot, deep to muscle/fascia, serous drainage, fibrotic tissue, red granular tissue, and no purulent drainage noted, periwound callus, no periwound erythema, partial thickness wound with no pain on palpation. Wound measured  2 X 2.5 X0.4 cm for immediate wound, with periwound area measuring 3.5 x 3.5 x 0.4 cm. Patient received regular foot care. Patient reported sensory deficit in feet, problems with swelling. Prior treatments included application of Santyl + BlastX with limited improvement. Methods and Treatment: The wound bed was rinsed with normal saline and wound gel was applied to entire wound surface and covered with Hydrofera Blue dressing. Patient’s dressing was changed and wound hydrogel was applied 2x week.Results:After 8 weeks of treatment, the wound size significantly reduced in size showing progressive healing compared to previous treatments.Discussion: Conclusion: The case above demonstrates successful wound reduction in a patient with significant comorbidities that showed limited improvement with previous treatments. Expedited healing was accomplished with an OTC botanical-based wound gel. The wound gel elicits anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial properties, and is nontoxic. This efficacious, safe, and affordable OTC wound treatment supports its use as a first line treatment option that promotes rapid healing of chronic wounds.References: