Biopolymer-Based Hydrogels in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment: The Potential of Basil Seed Mucilage

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes, often leading to infections, hospitalizations, and amputations. Conventional treatments such as dressings, antibiotics, and surgery have limitations, including delayed healing, poor moisture retention, and antimicrobial resistance. Hydrogels, particularly biopolymer-based formulations, offer a promising alternative by maintaining a moist wound environment and promoting tissue regeneration. Basil seed mucilage (BSM) is a natural biopolymer that has remarkable antioxidant, antibacterial, and water-retention qualities, which makes it a viable option for treating DFU.Objective: This review explores the potential of hydrogels based on BSM as a cutting-edge wound treatment substance for DFUs, analysing the extraction processes and bioactive mechanisms of BSM-based hydrogels and how well they assist tissue regeneration, wound healing, and infection prevention.Method: A comprehensive literature review focused on peer-reviewed articles, and clinical studies published in scientific journals, databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar selecting publications within the duration of 2012–2025Result: BSM-based hydrogels help prevent microbial adhesion and infection, regulate cytokine levels and oxidative stress. Increased oxygen permeability facilitates angiogenesis, which guarantees the wound has an enough blood supply, and collagen synthesis stimulation encourages tissue regeneration. When combined, these elements hasten healing and lower the risk of DFU-related problems.Conclusion: A significant advancement in the treatment of DFU, BSM-based hydrogels provide a multipurpose, biocompatible, and durable method of wound healing. These hydrogels have the potential to completely transform diabetic wound treatment by encouraging quicker recovery, lowering the risk of infection, and fostering tissue regeneration.