Folinic acid improves healing in diabetic foot ulcers
VA Research News Briefs

Image: ©iStock/Bacsica
(03/12/2026)
In a pilot study, Richmond and Central Arkansas VA researchers showed folinic acid, a vitamin used to decrease the toxic effects of cancer medications, may also improve the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. After 12 weeks, patients treated with topical folinic acid had a 48% greater reduction of diabetic foot ulcer wound area, compared to a placebo group. Analysis showed folinic acid reduces pro-inflammatory gene expression and increases anti-inflammatory gene expression, potentially allowing tissue to more quickly move from an inflamed state to active wound repair. The findings suggest not only that folinic acid could be a useful treatment for diabetic foot ulcers but also that it could help with other type 2 diabetes complications involving inflammation. (Wound Repair and Regeneration, Mar. 7, 2026)