"Ultrasound-Enhanced Propolis Therapy for Healing Diabetic Foot Wounds"

This study aims to evaluate whether using ultrasound (phonophoresis) can help deliver propolis-a natural compound made by bees-more effectively into the skin to speed up wound healing in people with diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers are a common and serious complication of diabetes and often take a long time to heal. Propolis has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may promote healing, but it does not easily penetrate the skin. By using ultrasound to enhance absorption, this study tests whether combining propolis with phonophoresis is more effective than standard wound care alone. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the propolis ultrasound therapy or standard care. The study will measure wound size, healing time, pain, infection rates, and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 18 to 75 years Diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus Presence of a diabetic foot ulcer classified as Grade 1 or 2 (Wagner classification) Ulcer size between 1 cm² and 5 cm² Able and willing to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Severe infection or presence of osteomyelitis at the ulcer site Use of systemic immunosuppressants or corticosteroids Known allergy or hypersensitivity to propolis Pregnant or breastfeeding women Participation in another clinical trial within the past 30 days