Effects of a topical botanically-enriched salve on cutaneous oxygenation

There is a medical need to evaluate new treatments that may improve wound healing. This study aimed to determine if Original Healing Salve (OHS, Puremedy, Inc.) a topical, botanically-enriched salve (BES), changes distal leg tissue oxygenation in people with type 2 diabetes.

A randomised, controlled, crossover, double-blinded clinical trial comparing changes in cutaneous oxygen delivery (mean TcPO₂) on multiple sites of the lower extremity following application of a botanically-enriched topical salve, as compared with application of the salve's base in patients with type 2 diabetes. Subjects were recruited from the general population as a convenience sample.

A total of 16 participants were recruited. Analysis of the primary outcome demonstrated no statistically significant difference in TcPO₂ at 30 minutes postapplication when comparing the BES to the base salve (BS) on the leg (-0.39±8.54mmHg; p=0.86). Analyses of secondary outcomes at 30 minutes postapplication indicated that mean TcPO₂ was significantly higher than preapplication levels among subjects receiving both the BES (3.70±6.62mmHg; p=0.04) and BS on the leg (4.08±5.21mmHg; p=0.007). On the foot, mean TcPO₂ at 30 minutes postapplication was higher in the BES compared with the BS, this difference was not significant (0.98±8.59mmHg; p=0.66). Mean TcPO₂ was higher than preapplication levels among subjects receiving both the BES (1.21±7.70mmHg; p=0.54) and BS on the foot (2.19±7.27mmHg; p=0.25). These differences were non-significant.

These findings support consideration of topical treatments containing botanical ingredients to increase cutaneous oxygen delivery in the lower extremity in patients with type 2 diabetes.