The efficacy of aqueous extract of Iranian garlic on the healing of burn wound: A clinical and microbiological study

The aim of this investigation was a clinical and microbiological evaluation of the accelerating effect of Iranian garlic (1% aqueous extract) on the burn wound healing in dog. Ten apparently healthy mongrel dogs of both sexes, with mean weight of 20 +/- 2.25 kg were studied. Based on Hoekstra standard model, two rectangular (2x3 cm(2)) wounds were created on the left (experiment) and right (control) caudodorsal areas of each dog. The experiment wounds were treated with 0.5 mL of 1% aqueous garlic extracts every 3 other day for 21 days. In the control group, the wounds were washed with normal saline at same frequency and time of day. The wounds were photographed and compared for rate of wound contraction with digital scanning software. The significant differences were seen between the experiment and control wounds for the rate of contraction. Moreover, a lesser total count of microorganisms was found (4 +/- 0.5 x 10(4) cm(-2)) when garlic extract was applied on burn wounds compared to the control wounds (2 +/- 0.5 x 10(5) cm(-2)) on the day 21 (p<0.05). According to the results of this study, topical usage of aqueous garlic extract could enhance burn wound healing process in the dog.