Could tree sap heal skin sores? new trial in PNG tests ancient remedy
NCT ID NCT07264686
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether sap from the Pterocarpus indicus tree can help heal small skin ulcers (sores) in remote areas of Papua New Guinea. 222 people with sores smaller than a dime will get either the plant sap, Savlon antiseptic cream, or no treatment. Researchers will check healing after 7 and 14 days.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Pterocarpus indicus plant sap
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a cheap, accessible treatment for skin sores in remote areas where medicines are hard to get.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small Phase 2 trial testing a plant sap against a standard cream and no treatment. The results may not apply to larger or more severe ulcers, and the plant sap's effectiveness is still uncertain.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
-
About 222 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Nov 2025
- Expected to finish
-
Sep 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
5 to 17 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion Criteria: * Infected skin ulcer suspected with one or more predominantly moist ulcerative skin lesions of less than 1 cm diameter in greatest dimension and larger than 0.5cm in largest dimension with a predominantly moist surface, occurring below the knee. * Accepted and signed informed consent by a legal guardian (relative or teacher) * Ability and willingness to comply with the requirements of the study protocol including follow up visits. Exclusion Criteria: * Children younger than 5 years old. * Ulcer presenting with a crust (not predominantly moist surface), or dimensions different to those specified in point 1 above. * Refusal at ward level or village chief (for village inclusion), or refusal of individual or guardian (for individual inclusion). * Answered yes when asked if had taken antibiotics in the last week or presents with visible signs of ulcer treatment e.g. wound dressing.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Cutaneous ulcer are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Vunapope Hospital, and surrounding area
Kokopo, EAST NEW Britan, Papua New Guinea
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.