Effect of Glycyrrhizic Acid and Curcumin on Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Mice

Introduction: diabetes mellitus is a prevalent global metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction. among its most severe complications are vascular disorders and the development of diabetic ulcers, particularly in the lower extremities. this study aimed to examine the effects of a combination therapy of curcumin and glycyrrhizic acid on diabetic wound healing in a murine model. methods: type 2 diabetes was induced in animals by administering a high-fat diet (4900 kcal/kg) for 21 days, followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/ kg). serum glucose and insulin levels were measured using a glucometer and elisa kit, respectively. histopathological analysis was conducted using hematoxylin and eosin and masson’s trichrome staining. results: macroscopic evaluation showed that the average wound closure rate was significantly lower in the control group compared to all treatment groups. a reduction in the wound area was observed in the groups treated with silver sulfadiazine, glycyrrhizic acid, and curcumin. histopathological assessment indicated enhanced re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation at the wound site in the groups treated with glycyrrhizic acid, curcumin, or silver sulfadiazine. contrary to expectations, however, the combination of glycyrrhizic acid and curcumin did not produce synergistic effects on the regeneration rate or collagen deposition. conclusion: glycyrrhizic acid and curcumin accelerated diabetic wound closure in mice. this effect is mediated through modulation of the inflammatory phase and promotion of epidermal regeneration. however, the combination of the two compounds did not yield synergistic improvement in wound healing outcomes.