Evaluation of the effect of Alkanna Tinctoria extracts on wound healing in the dog

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracts from the plant Alkanna tinctoria (as contained in the Helixderm ointment) on the rate of second intention cutaneous wound healing in the dog. Methods Ten clinically healthy dogs aged from 2 to 5 years were used. In each dog, one square 2.5x2.5cm full-thickness skin wound was created on the lateral aspect of the humerus bilaterally, under general anesthesia. At the same time, three matching 2x2cm skin defects were created symmetrically on opposites sides of the dorsal midline of each animal for histologic evaluation. Biopsy specimens were obtained on days 0, 4, 11 and 20. The right-side defects were treated with Helixderm ointment daily for 20 days, while the left ones were flushed with Lactated Ringer’s solution. The wound healing rate was evaluated clinically daily, by measuring blood perfusion with Doppler Laser (on days 0, 7, and 15), by planimetry (on days 0, 4, 11, 15, and 20) and histologically. Results The results regarding the clinical parameters tested, the cutaneous blood perfusion changes and the wound surface area changes were better on the Helixderm-treated side, although not statistically significant. On histological evaluation however, the epithelial thickness (for days 11 and 20), neo-angiogenesis (day 11) and collagen production (days 4, 11 and 20) scores were significantly greater in the treated than in the non-treated side. Conclusions The use of a product containing Alkanna tinctoria exctracts, such as the Helixderm ointment, may promote second intention wound healing in the dog.