title: Healing effect of a two-herb recipe (NF3) on foot ulcers in Chinese patients with diabetes: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the present study, we examined the effect of a two-herb traditional Chinese medicine (NF3), comprised of Astragali Radix and Radix Rehmanniae, on the healing of diabetic foot ulcer and the possible molecular mechanisms involved.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Sixteen diabetic patients were randomized to receive either placebo or NF3 for 6 months. Ulcer healing and sensory changes were examined. Molecular studies included measurement of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and RNA microarray investigation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The daily rate of reduction in ulcer area was 3.55% in the NF3 group and 1.52% in the placebo group (P = 0.062). In the index limb, the number of negative tests for sensory neuropathy using monofilament was reduced from 27% to 7% in the NF3 group and from 37% to 35% in the placebo group (P < 0.001). In addition, NF3 significantly decreased serum TNF-α levels (P = 0.034). Microarray studies revealed concerted changes following NF3 treatment in the expression of genes implicated in fibroblast regeneration, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this proof-of-concept study, 6-month treatment with NF3 was associated with improved wound healing and sensation accompanied by concerted changes in gene expression.
authors: Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
authors: Chun Hay
authors: CH
authors: Ko
authors: Sui
authors: S
authors: Yi
authors: Risa
authors: R
authors: Ozaki
authors: Heidi
authors: H
authors: Cochrane
authors: Harriet
authors: H
authors: Chung
authors: Winnie
authors: W
authors: Lau
authors: Chi Man
authors: CM
authors: Koon
authors: Sandy W H
authors: SW
authors: Hoi
authors: Winnie
authors: W
authors: Lo
authors: King Fai
authors: KF
authors: Cheng
authors: Clara B S
authors: CB
authors: Lau
authors: Wai Yee
authors: WY
authors: Chan
authors: Ping Chung
authors: PC
authors: Leung
authors: Juliana C N
authors: JC
authors: Chan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D027883:Astragalus Plant / Q000737:chemistry*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D008517:Phytotherapy; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D032267:Rehmannia / Q000737:chemistry*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D012333:RNA, Messenger
keywords: Astragali Radix; RNA microarray; Rehmanniae Radix; diabetic foot ulcer; ulcer healing; 黄芪，糖尿病足部溃疡，地黄，RNA微阵列，溃疡愈合