Authors : Fusun Temamogullari , Ali Hayat and Fusun Baba
Abstract: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is indicated as an analgesic, antiseptic, wound healer and hemorrhoid healing substance. The effects of yarrow extract on wound healing were investigated and compared with used 10% povidone iodine and 0.9% sodium chloride treatments, which are commonly used. Three full-thickness skin defects, 3.14 cm in diameter, were created on dorsal aspects of 12 rabbits. Wound surfaces were macroscopically examinated from the points of exudation, bleeding, thickness of scar, contraction and epithelization during the postoperative period. Biopsy specimens that were collected on the 4, 8, 12 and 16th Postoperative Days (PODs) were evaluated for histopathological changes. Specimens were evaluated according to several histopathologic parameters, such as the thickness of scar tissue, the density of vascular proliferation and the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration. SPSS 11.0 for windows was used for statistical analysis. Thickness of scar tissue was significantly changed during the treatments of yarrow extract and 0.9% sodium chloride (p<0.05), while, the wound treatment with 10% povidone iodine and 0.9% sodium chloride created similar results (p>0.05). The density of vascular proliferation in study groups was significantly different only on POD 4 and 16 (p<0.05). The degree of inflammatory cells infiltration were significantly different on PODs 8-12 within the yarrow extract group. Such relation was not found on PODs 4, 12 and 16 (p>0.05). Daily topical yarrow extract application to full-thickness skin defects in rabbits accelerated wound healing. Other advantages of yarrow extract are ease of application and the low cost.
Fusun Temamogullari , Ali Hayat and Fusun Baba , 2009. Effects of Yarrow Extract on Wound Healing in Rabbits. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8: 1204-1206.