Curative outcomes with metal-containing TCM in diabetic foot ulcers unresponsive to standard therapy: a case series - Report - MDSpire

Curative outcomes with metal-containing TCM in diabetic foot ulcers unresponsive to standard therapy: a case series

  • By

  • Yifan Zhang

  • Cai Yu

  • Xiaohan Qu

  • Qiannan Li

  • Guangyu Dai

  • Wanying Long

  • Hui Kong

  • Huihua Qu

  • Xuying Xu

  • Yue Zhang

  • Yan Zhao

  • May 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Efficacy of Metal-Infused Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Overview

This case series evaluates the effectiveness of Huafu Shengji ointment (HFSJO) in treating diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) that are resistant to conventional therapies. All four patients demonstrated significant wound healing and closure within 30 to 180 days of treatment.

Background

Diabetic foot ulcers are a major complication of diabetes, leading to severe outcomes such as infections and amputations. Standard treatments often fail for some patients, necessitating alternative approaches. Traditional Chinese medicine, particularly HFSJO, presents a potential adjunctive therapy for managing these challenging cases.

Data Highlights

PatientUlcer Size (cm)Healing Time (days)
13.0 x 3.030
25.0 x 4.060
36.0 x 5.0120
47.0 x 5.0180

Key Findings

  • All patients had chronic DFUs unresponsive to standard care.
  • Topical HFSJO was applied every other day alongside routine wound care.
  • Significant granulation and epithelialization were observed in all cases.
  • No significant abnormalities in liver or renal function tests were noted during treatment.
  • HFSJO may promote tissue repair through targeted debridement and regenerative stimulation.

Clinical Implications

The use of HFSJO may provide a safe and effective alternative for patients with refractory DFUs, particularly those at risk of amputation. Clinicians should consider integrating traditional Chinese medicine into their wound care protocols for challenging cases.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that HFSJO could be a valuable adjunct in the management of complex diabetic foot ulcers, warranting further investigation through controlled clinical trials.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- Comparative efficacy and safety of oral Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional therapy for coronary heart disease complicated by diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
  2. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Analysis of infection characteristics and clinical predictive indicators of different bacterial diabetic foot in Yunnan area
  3. Nonweight-bearing Brace with Early Mobilization Enhances Functional Outcomes Following Surgery for Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
  4. Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025 - PubMed
  5. Clinical Rheumatology — Efficacy of Fire-Needle Warming Therapy for Treating Cold-Dampness Type Knee Osteoarthritis and Its Impact on Serum Levels of IL-1β and MMP-3
  6. 12. Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025 - PubMed
  7. Frontiers | Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with intramuscular injection promote the healing of diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  8. Frontiers | A randomized controlled trial of Shengji ointment combined with bromelain in promoting healing of tendon-exposed diabetic foot wounds: integrated 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics analysis

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