No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.
WOOD ASH AND CHARCOAL ASH, AN INSTRUMENT TO SKIN TISSUE REPAIR IN ACUTE INJURY IN RABBIT MODEL
Abstract
Background: The topical administration of ash along with local defence mechanism appears to be superior to other types of therapies as it reduces super infection and enhance epithelization in rabbit skin wound healing. Method: Both wood ash and charcoal ash were prepared and collected by complete burning of the parent material i.e. wood chips and dead branches of wattle (Acacia) and charcoal from local supplier respectively. Ashes were analysed and applied besides the Polymyxin B-Bacitracin Zinc ointment as control. Results: Healing by both wood ash and charcoal ash (Ca) were significantly better and faster in comparison to control. Healing by wood ash (Wa) was completed by day 13. Some fall in number of fibroblasts were observed in case of charcoal ash after 11 th day. Conclusion: Ashes accelerated the wound healing process and gave maximum cover as antiseptic and anti infective. Complete recovery was observed within a period of 11 th to 13 th day.
... In Sardinia (Italy),Piluzza et al. (2015)have documented the use of ash in water, wrapped with a cloth around the wounds from red fox – Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758)– or dog bites. In fact, several tests conducted with animal models have confirmed that the topical administration of ashes (corresponding to complete burning of woody materials) accelerates the wound healing process, enhances epithelialisation and reduces infection (Hamid and Shaikh, 2009;Shaikh and Hamid, 2009). The analysis of different types of wood ashes revealed that they contain the appropriate combination of metals required to heal a wounded area faster (Hamid and Shaikh, 2009; Shaikh and Hamid, 2009). ...
... In fact, several tests conducted with animal models have confirmed that the topical administration of ashes (corresponding to complete burning of woody materials) accelerates the wound healing process, enhances epithelialisation and reduces infection (Hamid and Shaikh, 2009;Shaikh and Hamid, 2009). The analysis of different types of wood ashes revealed that they contain the appropriate combination of metals required to heal a wounded area faster (Hamid and Shaikh, 2009; Shaikh and Hamid, 2009). ...
Ethnopharmacological relevance:
Combined approaches to local knowledge and folk plant use improve awareness and promote effective strategies for the conservation of significant biocultural patrimony. Moreover, the information reported might be the basis for further appropriate phytochemical and pharmacological research. Therefore we provide an insight into traditional herbal remedies and practices for healing bite injuries in humans and domestic animals caused by the Iberian wolf. Wolf bites are associated with inflammatory processes and rabies is a potential complication AIMS: This paper describes and summarises the medicinal-veterinary empirical and ritual uses of the Iberian flora for wolf injuries and reviews the ethnopharmacological data of specific plants that are already published. The Iberian wolf is a critically endangered subspecies of the grey wolf. Livestock attacks attributed to wolves are increasingly frequent in the Iberian Peninsula, resulting in serious social problems. Interesting strategies for Iberian wolf conservation might be related to traditional grazing practices that are deeply linked with empirical knowledge and local practices passed on by oral tradition, which are also vulnerable now.
Materials and methods:
Based on documentary sources from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present, we systematically searched old monographs, regional documents, technical papers, project reports, as well as the international and national databases and the available scientific literature, without restrictions regarding the language of the publications consulted.
Results:
A total of 39 remedies for healing wolf bite injuries in humans and domestic animals was reported, highlighting the medicinal use of 33 species of vascular plants, mostly wild herbs, belonging to 18 botanical families. The use of wood ashes was also reported. The number of use-reports found represents a very high number considering similar European studies. Leaves were the predominant plant part mentioned. Boiling plant materials in water for topical uses was the most frequent method of preparation found. Some traditional remedies combined two or more plant species in order to potentiate their effects. Moreover, some plant-based traditional practices and rituals to ward off wolves and to prevent wolf attacks were also documented. In these practices eleven other species (belonging to seven more families) were used.
Conclusions:
Despite the decline of the Iberian wolf over the last few decades, wolves are still in the imaginary of rural communities that perceive this large carnivore as both a diabolic creature and a mythic and benign animal. Wolf-related cultural heritage is of great interest in terms of conservation strategies. This review emphasises the importance of local knowledge and provides useful information about several potential sources of phytochemicals and their claimed therapeutic effects, aiming at contributing to the conservation and appreciation of the Iberian biocultural heritage.
... Topical application of wood ash and charcoal ash has been shown to be effective cheap and safe way of healing skin wound of rabbit (Hamid and Shaikh, 2009). Again, ash when mixed with water is given to a cow having problems of retaining after birth (Ndhlovu, 2007). ...
Coconut shells were collected, broken into pieces, sun dried and ashed in the laboratory as well as by a developed customized method to produce both laboratory and customized coconut shell ashes (CSA). These were analyzed for their concentrations of nickel, chromium, lead, iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, calcium, magnesium, sodium, manganese, potassium and cadmium using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The customized CSA was hydroscopic, alkaline (pH = 11.9) and gritty. The bulk density was 0.6512 g/cm 3 , while the average water holding capacity was 210.54 g/ml and the specific gravity was 0.65 g/cm 3. The mineral analysis of CSA revealed the presence of calcium, copper, iron, sodium, magnesium and manganese 154, 11.7, 7.60, 1.19, 1.7, 0.81 mg/l respectively as the major elements in the custom produced ash. The custom produced ash yielded higher values across most minerals assayed. The positive difference ranged from the 99.16% difference between Na to the 9.09% difference recorded for cobalt. This is an indication that the custom produced ash was completely combusted under the improvised technique adopted in this study and may serve as a better source of bio-available minerals for livestock.
Acute wound healing is a dynamic process involving the coordinated actions of both resident and migratory cell population within the extracellular matrix environment leading to the repair of injured tissues. In contrast to this some wounds fail to heal in a timely and orderly manner, resulting in chronic non-healing wounds. In addition, chronic wounds are more prevalent in older people due to the altered molecular and cellular characteristics of the aged skin and various associated co-morbidities. This article discusses in detail the cellular, molecular and biochemical differences in healing between acute and chronic wounds and outlines the effects of ageing in the healing process.
Wound healing in the skin depends upon the availability of appropriate trace metals as enzyme cofactors and structural components in tissue repair. The present study is a part of a series of experimental investigations to examine the influence of Bentonite on skin wound healing. Surgically induced skin wounds in 48 young adult male rats were exposed topically to Bentonite (12 round wound and 12 incisional wound) and control wounds (12 round wound and 12 incisional wound) received de- ionized water only. Skin wounds (round and incisional) treated with Bentonite exhibited no significant difference in margins with erythema and edematous changes. Scab and wound debris was more extensive and persisted for at least 7 days after surgery in control group (P < 0.05). Skin wounds exposed to Bentonite exhibited a mild retarded re-epithelialization, the treatment wounds were characterized by a prominent central mass of inflammatory cells, cell debris and wound exudate. The intense infiltrate of lymphocytes, macrophages, monocytes and fibroblasts extended from the wound margin into the region of the panniculus carnosus muscle and hypodermis. Vascular dilatation and dermal oedema were prominent features of these wounds. External utilization of Bentonite for wound healing is safe and feasible, and we finalized that macroscopic healing of wound that treated by
Healing of wounds, whether from accidental injury or surgical intervention, involves the activity of an intricate network of blood cells, tissue types, cytokines, and growth factors. This results in increased cellular activity, which causes an intensified metabolic demand for nutrients. Nutritional deficiencies can impede wound healing, and several nutritional factors required for wound repair may improve healing time and wound outcome. Vitamin A is required for epithelial and bone formation, cellular differentiation, and immune function. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen formation, proper immune function, and as a tissue antioxidant. Vitamin E is the major lipid-soluble antioxidant in the skin; however, the effect of vitamin E on surgical wounds is inconclusive. Bromelain reduces edema, bruising, pain, and healing time following trauma and surgical procedures. Glucosamine appears to be the rate-limiting substrate for hyaluronic acid production in the wound. Adequate dietary protein is absolutely essential for proper wound healing, and tissue levels of the amino acids arginine and glutamine may influence wound repair and immune function. The botanical medicines Centella asiatica and Aloe vera have been used for decades, both topically and internally, to enhance wound repair, and scientific studies are now beginning to validate efficacy and explore mechanisms of action for these botanicals. To promote wound healing in the shortest time possible, with minimal pain, discomfort, and scarring to the patient, it is important to explore nutritional and botanical influences on wound outcome.
Wound healing is a complex biological process that requires cellular interactions between a variety of cells, including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, keratinocytes and immune cells. These interactions are mediated by numerous factors such as growth factors, hormones, blood components and second messengers. Several growth factors that are released at the wound site are presumed to be necessary for wound healing. These include epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The clinical use of growth factors to stimulate the healing of wounds is currently being investigated. Several growth factors, including PDGF, FGF-2, IGF and KGF, have been used in clinical trials, and PDGF is currently approved for use in human medicine.
The Egyptian civilisation is one of the oldest in history and was renowned for its scientific and artistic achievements, and medicine was no exception. The ancient Egyptians were masters in applying and arranging bandages, and they recognized the cardinal signs of infection and inflammation. Egyptian drug therapy can be regarded as having evolved from a system rooted in magic and empirical observation. To illustrate how the Egyptian wound healing methods provided a major stimulus for the development of surgery, we conducted a literature search.
Acute wounds normally heal in a very orderly and efficient manner characterized by four distinct, but overlapping phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. Specific biological markers characterize healing of acute wounds. Likewise, unique biologic markers also characterize pathologic responses resulting in fibrosis and chronic non-healing ulcers. This review describes the major biological processes associated with both normal and pathologic healing. The normal healing response begins the moment the tissue is injured. As the blood components spill into the site of injury, the platelets come into contact with exposed collagen and other elements of the extracellular matrix. This contact triggers the platelets to release clotting factors as well as essential growth factors and cytokines such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). Following hemostasis, the neutrophils then enter the wound site and begin the critical task of phagocytosis to remove foreign materials, bacteria and damaged tissue. As part of this inflammatory phase, the macrophages appear and continue the process of phagocytosis as well as releasing more PDGF and TGF beta. Once the wound site is cleaned out, fibroblasts migrate in to begin the proliferative phase and deposit new extracellular matrix. The new collagen matrix then becomes cross-linked and organized during the final remodeling phase. In order for this efficient and highly controlled repair process to take place, there are numerous cell-signaling events that are required. In pathologic conditions such as non-healing pressure ulcers, this efficient and orderly process is lost and the ulcers are locked into a state of chronic inflammation characterized by abundant neutrophil infiltration with associated reactive oxygen species and destructive enzymes. Healing proceeds only after the inflammation is controlled. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fibrosis is characterized by excessive matrix deposition and reduced remodeling. Often fibrotic lesions are associated with increased densities of mast cells. By understanding the functional relationships of these biological processes of normal compared to abnormal wound healing, hopefully new strategies can be designed to treat the pathological conditions.
Zinc is an essential trace element in the human body and its importance in health and disease is appreciated. It serves as a cofactor in numerous transcription factors and enzyme systems including zinc-dependent matrix metalloproteinases that augment autodebridement and keratinocyte migration during wound repair. Zinc confers resistance to epithelial apoptosis through cytoprotection against reactive oxygen species and bacterial toxins possibly through antioxidant activity of the cysteine-rich metallothioneins. Zinc deficiency of hereditary or dietary cause can lead to pathological changes and delayed wound healing. Oral zinc supplementation may be beneficial in treating zinc-deficient leg ulcer patients, but its therapeutic place in surgical patients needs further clarification. Topical administration of zinc appears to be superior to oral therapy due to its action in reducing superinfections and necrotic material via enhanced local defense systems and collagenolytic activity, and the sustained release of zinc ions that stimulates epithelialization of wounds in normozincemic individuals. Zinc oxide in paste bandages (Unna boot) protects and soothes inflamed peri-ulcer skin. Zinc is transported through the skin from these formulations, although the systemic effects seem insignificant. We present here the first comprehensive account of zinc in wound management in relation to current concepts of wound bed preparation and the wound-healing cascade. This review article suggests that topical zinc therapy is underappreciated even though clinical evidence emphasizes its importance in autodebridement, anti-infective action, and promotion of epithelialization.
For several decades trace elements have been receiving wide attention from biomedical investigators. Though present only in minute amounts, they have been shown to perform biochemical functions indispensable to life or, on the contrary, to interfere with vital processes. The nutritional importance of trace elements has recently grown rapidly due to better understanding of their vital biological functions. In wound healing the most important trace element is zinc, which probably is one of the most important and interesting inorganic elements related to health sciences. In addition to zinc, copper, chromium, selenium, and manganese are essential for normal growth and development in humans.
Background: The pharmacologicl effects of different types of ashes containing different elements and trace elements are explainable. These effects poteintiate and help in repair and regenerative processes in rabbit skin wound. Method: For this proposes ash from buffalo dung-cake, was prepared and analyzed. The ash was applied besides Polymyxin B-Bacitracin Zinc ointment, one of the topical applications as control and the process of healing was observed for two weeks physically and histologically. Results: A significant difference between the effects in healing was observed in control and experimental. Moreover, the skin tissue repairing rate by ash is faster. Conclusion: This study confirms that the ash played a very positive role and repaired the wound within a period of 7-11 days. This consistency between ointment and ash expresses the ability of ash in healing the wounds. Hence ash could be considered as natural medicine and possesses unique properties.
The positive influence of Aloe vera, a tropical cactus, on the healing of full-thickness wounds in diabetic rats is reported. Full-thickness excision/incision wounds were created on the back of rats, and treated either by topical application on the wound surface or by oral administration of the Aloe vera gel to the rat. Wound granulation tissues were removed on various days and the collagen, hexosamine, total protein and DNA contents were determined, in addition to the rates of wound contraction and period of epithelialization. Measurements of tensile strength were made on treated/untreated incision wounds. The results indicated that Aloe vera treatment of wounds in diabetic rats may enhance the process of wound healing by influencing phases such as inflammation, fibroplasia, collagen synthesis and maturation, and wound contraction. These effects may be due to the reported hypoglycemic effects of the aloe gel.
The healing of an adult skin wound is a complex process requiring the collaborative efforts of many different tissues and
cell lineages. The behavior of each of the contributing cell types during the phases of proliferation, migration, matrix synthesis,
and contraction, as well as the growth factor and matrix signals present at a wound site, are now roughly understood. Details
of how these signals control wound cell activities are beginning to emerge, and studies of healing in embryos have begun to
show how the normal adult repair process might be readjusted to make it less like patching up and more like regeneration.
There is as yet no unified mechanism that explains the pathophysiology of every nonhealing wound. This is largely because many of the basic biological investigations in this area have only been undertaken seriously in the past few years and many phenomena remain unexplained. As new data become available, these theoretical models undoubtedly will continue to evolve. However, a clear understanding of the facts presently available should provide the clinician with a good scientific basis for rational clinical interventions. There is an urgent need to bridge the gap that often exists between laboratory research and clinical practice. A number of wound care practices, which have been shown to be ineffective or harmful, are still widely used. This includes the application of toxic wound cleansing agents, inappropriate use of topical antibiotics, and the practice of wet-to-dry dressings. The past 2 decades have witnessed an unprecedented proliferation of wound care products, few of which have be proven to be consistently superior to simpler and more cost-effective measures. For the foreseeable future, the search for the magic wound 'portions and lotions' probably will continue to revolve around topical growth factor and antiprotease therapy. However, such efforts will only come to fruition when we truly understand the pathophysiologic basis for abnormal wound healing.
Metalloenzymes have an important role in repair and regenerative processes in skin wounds. Demands for
different enzymes vary according to the phase in the healing cascade and constituent events. Sequential
changes in the concentrations of calcium, copper, magnesium and zinc were studied in the incisional wound
model in the rat over a 10 d period. Copper levels remained low (<10 μg/g dry weight) throughout, but
calcium, magnesium and zinc increased from wounding and peaked at about 5 d at a time of high
inflammation, granulation tissue formation and epidermal cell proliferation. Metal concentrations declined
to normal by 7 d when inflammation had regressed, re-epithelialisation of the wound site was complete and
the ‘normalisation’ phase had commenced. Although the wound was overtly healed by 10 d, the epidermis
was still moderately hyperplastic. In view of competitive binding of trace metals at membrane receptors and
carrier proteins, the ratios or balance between these trace metals was examined and the significance is
discussed. Using immunocytochemistry, we demonstrated increases in metallothionein immunoreactivity as
an indication of zinc and copper activity in the papillary dermis and in basal epidermal cells near the wound
margin 1–5 d after wounding. This is consistent with metalloenzyme requirements in inflammation and
fibrogenesis. Calmodulin, a major cytosolic calcium binding protein was highest in maturing keratinocytes
and in sebaceous gland cells of normal skin; it was notably more abundant in the epidermis near the wound
margin and in re-epithelialising areas at a time when local calcium levels were highest.
The use of aloe vera is being promoted for a large variety of conditions. Often general practitioners seem to know less than their patients about its alleged benefits.
To define the clinical effectiveness of aloe vera, a popular herbal remedy in the United Kingdom.
Four independent literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Biosis, and the Cochrane Library. Only controlled clinical trials (on any indication) were included. There were no restrictions on the language of publication. All trials were read by both authors and data were extracted in a standardized, pre-defined manner.
Ten studies were located. They suggest that oral administration of aloe vera might be a useful adjunct for lowering blood glucose in diabetic patients as well as for reducing blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidaemia. Topical application of aloe vera is not an effective preventative for radiation-induced injuries. It might be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis. Whether it promotes wound healing is unclear. There are major caveats associated with all of these statements.
Even though there are some promising results, clinical effectiveness of oral or topical aloe vera is not sufficiently defined at present.
In recent years herbal medicines and supplements have become increasingly popular. With their increased popularity, more publications are warning about the potential harmful effects of some of these products.
To present scientific evidence of the benefits and surgical risks of herbal products.
A Medline search and review of the literature was performed.
Many herbal medicines are relevant in dermatologic surgery since Ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, ginseng, feverfew, and vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding, and ephedra may potentiate the side effects of epinephrine.
Dermatologists should be aware of these herbal products and their uses. Many of these products prescribed by alternative medicine physicians or purchased over the counter should be discontinued prior to dermatologic surgery to minimize the risk of surgical complications.
Lahore: Mktaba-e-Rehmania
- Ami Bukhari
- Kitab
- Jihad
Bukhari AMI. Kitab ul Jihad. In: Bukhari AMI Sahehee
Bukhari. Ala ed. Lahore: Mktaba-e-Rehmania, 1999, 2:p280.
Improvement and retardation of wound healing effects of pharmacological agents in laboratory studies
- Manfred Keitzmann
Manfred Keitzmann. Improvement and retardation of wound
healing effects of pharmacological agents in laboratory
studies. J Vet Dermatol 1999;10:83-8.
In: Muslim AAM. Sahehe Muslim. Ala ed. Lahore: Muktabia-e-Rehmania
- Aam Muslim
- Kitab
- Jihad
Muslim AAM. Kitab ul Jihad. In: Muslim AAM. Sahehe
Muslim. Ala ed. Lahore: Muktabia-e-Rehmania 1999;1:p602.