Effects of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Russian Knapweed on Cutaneous Wound Healing Process in Rabbits

Abstract

Several drugs and natural products are used to treat wounds. However, ranchers in Afghanistan do not have enough access to Veterinary services (medicine). On the other hand, medicine is expensive. In this case, the best option is homemade drugs made from medicinal plants. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of the Aqueous and Alcoholic extracts of Russian Knapweed on the cutaneous wound-healing process in rabbits. Twenty-five local rabbits were used in this experiment and were randomly divided into five groups: control, 5% aqueous extract, 10% Aqueous extract, 5% alcoholic extract, and 10% Alcoholic extract. At first, all rabbits were clinically examined. The wound area was surgically prepared, and after induction of local anesthesia, a 15mm x 15mm incision was made on the back part of all rabbits. The Russian Knapweed extracts were made using the maceration method. After the wounds were created, the ointments were applied twice a day. Measurement of the wound area was done using a ruler on days 1st, 4th, seventh, 10th, 13th, and 16th of wound creation. 5% Aqueous and Alcoholic Russian Knapweed had a significantly (p<0.05) greater effect on wound healing on days 4, 7, and 16 compared to the control group. Meanwhile, the 10% Aqueous group results were also significantly (p<0.05) higher than the control group on days 7 and 16. The results of this experiment suggest that Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Russian Knapweed have healing effects on the cutaneous wound-healing process in rabbits.