Abstract

GLOBAL BURDEN, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND EMERGING HERBAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR DIABETIC FOOD ULCERS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Amina El-Shaibany*, Maged Alwan Noman, Mahmoud Mahyoob Alburyhi, Abdalwali Ahmed Saif, Abdulbary Fikri Abdullah, Suhail Majed Wais, Mahmoud Mohammed Nasser, Mohammed Abdo Yahook, Alaa Abdullah Muharram and Mohammed Abdulwahab Rukn

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major global health challenge, with a rapidly increasing prevalence and devastating complications. Among these, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a severe microvascular and neuropathic complication that significantly impacts patient quality of life and healthcare systems. Objective: To provide a comprehensive narrative review of the global epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and current management strategies for DFUs, with a special focus on the potential of emerging herbal therapies. Methods: A literature review of current standards of care, global epidemiological data, and recent advancements in the adjunctive treatment of DFUs was conducted.Discussion: Standard treatments often fail to address the multifactorial etiology of DFUs, which includes oxidative stress, inflammation, and microbial biofilms. Consequently, delayed healing and recurrence rates remain high, particularly in resource-limited settings. Recent advancements suggest that phytotherapy and natural bioactive compounds offer promising anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and regenerative properties that could optimize DFU management.Conclusion: Multidisciplinary approaches remain the gold standard in DFU care. However, the integration of natural and herbal remedies presents an accessible, cost-effective, and viable alternative to improve healing outcomes, particularly in lower- and middle-income regions where advanced therapies are scarce.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Foot Ulcer; Pathophysiology; Wound Healing; Herbal Remedies; Global Health.