Prioritization of effective Materia Medica on diabetic foot ulcer in Persian medicine

Drug discovery based on traditional medicines is called reverse pharmacology. During investigation of traditional medicine, there are two categories of diseases: The first, diseases such as constipation which they could be partially or fully matched in conventional and traditional medicine. The second, diseases such as diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) that, there is no direct mention about them in the context of traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to prioritize the materia medica utilized in Persian medicine for treatment of ghorooh (wounds) and using a reverse pharmacology approach to develop new effective drugs for DFU.
In this library study, on the first level, different types of ghorooh were searched and collected in four references of traditional medicine and then, these data were rated into two groups based on similarity with the main symptoms of DFU: Ghorooh with symptoms closed to DFU and ghorooh with symptoms away from DFU. In later levels, different materia affecting ghorooh were scored based on repetition in sources and scientists emphasis. Lastly, adding the scores of the two levels, acquired data was ranked in term of effect on DFUs.
Myrtle, Frankincense, Plantain, Aloe Vera and Chinese lantern had highest scores. Finally, the myrtle fruits suggested for preparing the best formulation drug for DFU.
For use of traditional knowledge in modern diseases, first, we must establish a logical connection between conventional and traditional medicine. Then, prioritization of effective materia medica and reverse pharmacology could lead to production of new effective drugs for DFU.