Effect of topical application of mixture of cod liver oil and honey on old (chronic) wounds and granulation tissue in donkeys

Abstract

A comparative study was conducted from November 2015 to May 2016 with the objective of investigating the beneficial effects of the mixture of cod liver oil and honey (group 1) comparing with routine treatment (group 2), combination of chlorhexidine (0.3%) and cetrimide (3%) in healing of contaminated old wounds in donkeys at Bahir Dar, North western Ethiopia. Out of 18 donkeys, 12 (6 male and 6 female) were treated with mixture of cod liver oil and honey and 6 donkeys (3 male and 3 female) were routinely treated. At the 35th day of treatment in group 1, the areas of the wounds were markedly decreased from 4.2% to 66.7% and in group 2 from 66.7% to 85.7% out of 100% of the initial area. The treatment outcome between group 1 and group 2 were significantly different (p<0.05).In group 1, no swelling and hyperemia of perilesional skin appearance, no inflammatory exudate, reduced wound area and short time to clinical healing of wound were recorded after treatment. This study also demonstrated that difference in wound healing process between sex groups, in which wound healing in male was significantly (p<0.05) faster than female. Mixture of cod liver oil and honey is beneficial in treatment of old traumatized wounds in the donkeys. This effect was primarily mediated by formation of healthy mature scars, clinical healing in short period of time. The owners, institutions or organization working with donkeys and governments may use this mixture for treating old traumatized wounds.

Grade IV Sacral Sore Treated with an Ointment Rich in PUFAs, Ceramides, and Antimicrobial Peptides

“…Beeswax is known for its healing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties [ 44 , 45 ]. The combination of cod liver oil and medicinal beeswax has been successfully used in wound treatment in veterinary medicine [ 46 , 47 ]. Curefini® has been previously tested on a porcine model for second-degree burns and showed the ability to control the inflammatory process and promote the development of a more-resistant skin layer in the affected area [ 25 ].…”

“…Curefini® is an OTC product approved by the FDA and is currently in use in pediatric patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa [ 46 , 67 ]. Its use in adults with second-degree burns has recently been reported with promising results regarding cosmetic and functional achievements [ 47 , 68 ].…”

“…Topical administration of vitamin A has numerous dermatology indications, but its application directly on wounds has not been established as a treatment modality, despite some data suggesting it helps with diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers [65,66]. Curefini ® is an OTC product approved by the FDA and is currently in use in pediatric patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa [46,67]. Its use in adults with second-degree burns has recently been reported with promising results regarding cosmetic and functional achievements [47,68].…”

Enhancing Skin Cicatrization with Natural Sources – The Role of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) and Beeswax

“…The combination of cod liver oil and medicinal beeswax has been successfully used in wound treatment in veterinary medicine [9,10].…”

“…Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) from cod liver oil, sunflower oil, and sweet almond oil provide a natural source of omega 3-6 with a local anti-inflammatory action at the wound bed [7,8]. Recent case reports had reported the benefit of a combination of both PUFAs and beeswax for the topical treatment of sacral sores, burn wounds, and severe skin conditions like epidermolysis bullosa [9][10][11][12].…”