Effects of topical Kiwifruit on healing of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcer

Background: Kiwifruit (Actindia Deliciosa) is demonstrated to have antibacterial and pro-angiogenic eff ects. It also contains proteolytic enzymes (actinidin) and ascorbic acid. In this study, the eff ects of Kiwifruit on neuropathic diabetic foot ulcer healing in clinical settings were evaluated. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial of 37 patients (17 in experimental and 20 in control groups) with neuropathic diabetic foot ulcer were studied in Isfahan-Iran. Patients of the control group received just the standard treatments. In the experimental group, in addition to the standard treatments, ulcers were dressed with pure extract of kiwifruit twice daily for 21 days. Th e ulcers were examined and evaluated based on macroscopic, microscopic and microbiological status. Pre- and post-interventions, biopsies were taken from the ulcers to perform microbiological and histological studies. Results: Mean reduction in surface area of foot ulcer in the experimental group was signifi cantly higher than the control group (168.11 ± 22.31 vs. 88.80 ± 12.04 mm2 respectively, P < 0.0001). Th e amount of collagen and granulation tissues was signifi cantly higher in the experimental groups than the control group (P value < 0.0001). Signifi cantly higher levels of angiogenesis and vascularization were found in the kiwifruit treated patients (P value < 0.0001). No signifi cant antibacterial eff ect was observed for kiwifruit. Conclusion: Natural compounds in the kiwifruit including protein-dissolving enzymes (Actinidin) improved diff erent aspects of the wound healing process. Based on these benefi ts and safety aspects, we conclude that using kiwifruit is a simple, applicable and eff ective way for treatment of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcer.