Vegetative propagation of Colutea istria Mill. from leafy stem cuttings

This study investigates the optimal conditions for the vegetative propagation of the multipurpose leguminous shrub Colutea istria from leafy stem cuttings. The conditions examined included 1) the origin of the cutting (apical, medial or basal), 2) indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatment (0, 50, 200 or 400 mg/l), 3) the relative humidity of the propagation environment (high or low), 4) wounding base of cutting, and 5) the season in which the cutting was taken. The rooting ability of the cuttings was significantly influenced by all these factors. Winter cuttings obtained from the middle and base of the branch showed a greater rooting capacity than those harvested from the apical area, while autumn cuttings harvested from the middle and apical areas of the branch showed a greater rooting capacity than those harvested from the base. Winter cuttings showed the best rooting capacity than autumn cuttings. IBA treatment (200 mg/l), high humidity (98-100%), and wounding increased the rooting capacity of the cuttings. The sprout of new leaves was higher in basal cuttings, while IBA and wounding also significantly enhanced the root number of rooted cuttings. A method for vegetatively propagating C. istria plants is given.     

Wound healing potential of Tragia involucrata extract in rats

The methanol extract of the roots of Tragia involucrata topically tested at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg exerted significant wound healing effect in Staphylococcus aureus-induced excision wound in rats.     

Experimental evaluation of Pentas lanceolata flowers for wound healing activity in rats

The ethanolic extract of the flowers of Pentas lanceolata given by oral route to rats at dose of 150 mg kg(-1) day(-1) for 10 days, was studied for its effect on wound healing, using excision wound mode. Significant increase in granulation tissue weight, tensile strength, hydroxyproline and glycosaminoglycan content was observed. Moderate increase in protein content was seen. There was significant reduction in the wound area measurement of the test group as compared to that of controls. The efficacious prohealing action may be due to increased collagen deposition as well as better alignment and maturation.     

Immunohistochemical analysis of cyclooxygenase-2 induction during wound healing in dog skin

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is an inducible isoform of COX and is expressed under abnormal health conditions. This study elucidated the cutaneous induction of COX-2 during the wound healing processes in dog skin. Dog skin was sutured after punch biopsy and investigated histologically and immunohistochemically on days 0 (normal), 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 after injury. Histological changes, including infiltration of inflammatory cells and proliferation of fibroblast-like cells, were observed as predicted, and there was a close and significant correlation between these 2 events. COX-2-positive cells were detected in the epidermis between days 1 and 7, and bimodal peaks were observed in the case of the percentage of COX-2-positive cells. In inflammatory cells, COX-positive signals were detected on day 3 only. Here, we clarified the localization and pattern of the induced COX-2 expression during wound healing in dog skin.     

The antimicrobial activity of honey against common equine wound bacterial isolates

Delayed healing associated with distal limb wounds is a particular problem in equine clinical practice. Recent studies in human beings and other species have demonstrated the beneficial wound healing properties of honey, and medical grade honey dressings are available commercially in equine practice. Equine clinicians are reported to source other non-medical grade honeys for the same purpose. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity of a number of honey types against common equine wound bacterial pathogens. Twenty-nine honey products were sourced, including gamma-irradiated and non-irradiated commercial medical grade honeys, supermarket honeys, and honeys from local beekeepers. To exclude contaminated honeys from the project, all honeys were cultured aerobically for evidence of bacterial contamination. Aerobic bacteria or fungi were recovered from 18 products. The antimicrobial activity of the remaining 11 products was assessed against 10 wound bacteria, recovered from the wounds of horses, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Eight products were effective against all 10 bacterial isolates at concentrations varying from <2% to 16% (v/v). Overall, the Scottish Heather Honey was the best performing product, and inhibited the growth of all 10 bacterial isolates at concentrations ranging from <2% to 6% (v/v).Although Manuka has been the most studied honey to date, other sources may have valuable antimicrobial properties. Since some honeys were found to be contaminated with aerobic bacteria or fungi, non-sterile honeys may not be suitable for wound treatment. Further assessment of gamma-irradiated honeys from the best performing honeys would be useful.     

发财树伤口处理后种植期与植株生长关系的研究

在用0.8g/L甲基托布津溶液、0.8g/L甲基托布津与0.2mL/L B12的混合溶液处理发财树植株伤口后,进行不同种植期试验,结果表明:处理后5~13d种植的植株生根最好,而处理后的5~21d是最佳运输时期。