| Abstract: | Oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is a small tree that grows throughout Iran. Using smashed tree leaves combined with olive oil is proposed in one ancient Iranian text as a good remedy for wound healing. Our objective was to evaluate this remedy experimentally. The study was carried out in two female 10‐month‐old Holstein calves. An area of 10 × 10 cm on each side of the thorax was surgically prepared and infiltrated with local anaesthetic. Eight uniform skin wounds were created in two rows with an 8‐mm biopsy punch on each prepared area. Each side of an animal was used to evaluate one treatment (Groups 1–4). To make the mixture, fresh oleaster leaves (50 gm) were smashed with a pestle and mixed with olive oil (25 gm). The wounds were treated for 7 days. The wounds of Groups 1–3 were rinsed daily with normal saline, after which the mixture of oleaster and olive oil (Group 1) or only the olive oil (Group 2) was applied. In Group 4, no treatment was applied. All wounds were left open. On day 8, skin biopsies were taken from the wounds for histopathologic study. Group 1 wounds all showed mild granulation tissue, scab formation and complete re‐epithelialization. In Group 2, there was mild granulation tissue, massive scab formation and minimal re‐epithelialization. In Groups 3 and 4, mild granulation tissue, severe scab formation and very limited re‐epithelialization were observed. We conclude that a fresh oleaster leaf preparation can be an effective remedy for wound healing. Funding: Self‐funded. |
