A clinical trial may lead to the treatment of leg ulcers with maggot larva rather than the more common hydrogel therapy.

UK researchers tested the two remedies on 267 patients and followed participants for a year with life questionnaires, clinical observation.

They found that leg ulcers, which require the removal of dead tissue from diseased arteries and veins, were as treatable with maggot larva as the hydrogel, with healing completed nine days sooner for patients healed with larva, and dead tissue removal occurring more quickly with the larva.

Although side effects and cost effectiveness were similar, the results showed that larval applications were significantly more painful following the first use, and further research was necessary to delineate what patients were best suited for each treatment.

The creatures may have other medical benefits, as a study from Swansea University in Wales links their secretions to treatments for MRSA and e. coli.

Some have also considered herbal supplements such as Gotu Kola and grape seed in the reduction of varicose veins, which can lead to leg ulcers, because of some studies pointing to their efficacy.