[Effect of aloe-vera extract on experimentally induced open wound healing in sheep]

ABSTRACT

To determine the effects of Aloe-vera extract on skin wounds healing. Experimental study. Four fat tailed sheep with 1-1.5 years old and 25-30 kg weighing. Bilateral skin wounds [two 2x2 cm full thickness as rectangular shape] were made in the cranial and caudal parts of chest. These four areas in each animal were treated individually with Aloe-vera extract [9% in Euserin], Phenytoine [1% in Euserin], pure Euserin and normal saline two times per day. In order to eliminate the effects of anatomical factors on wounds healing drugs were different from one sheep to another. Gross photographs were taken from wounds, scanned and computerized. Then total wound area, granulation of tissue and new epithelialization were measured carefully by Scion Image software. The percentages of wound healing, wound contraction and epithelialization were calculated. Paired t-test. While Aloe-Vera did not show any signifcant effect on the wound geometrical parameter. On the other hand in microscopical evaluations, reepithelialization, tissue granulation and proliferation of connective tissue in wounds were seen in response to Aloe-vera. Furthermore, collagenous fibers were thicker and well arranged in these groups too. While quantitative measurements did not show supportive effects of Aloe- vera on wound geometrical parameters, qualitative observations showed it can improve healing process and wound appearance