Maine Professor Believes Wild Blueberries Can Heal ‘Chronic Wounds’

She just received a $25,000 grant from the Maine Technology Institute to further research for a blueberry cream.

Blueberries are scrumptious. Blueberries are known for their antioxidants. But, blueberries helping those battling diabetes? One Maine professor is working hard to make the latter a reality, thanks in part to a new $25,000 grant from the Maine Technology Institute.

According to WMTW News 8, Dorothy Klimis-Zacas, a professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Maine is in the process of trying to turn wild blueberries into a topical cream for wounds. Her research has already shown certain acids extracted from wild blueberries promote cell migration, which allows help chronic wounds to close faster.

What exactly is a chronic wound? Klimis-Zacas told WMTW News 8 chronic wounds "would be something like a diabetic individual who eventually over the years, he or she would develop foot ulcers." The new cream would also assist acute wounds like "patients with burns, post surgery."

The professor believes with further research, a product could be on the market within the next 3-5 years.