Evaluation the effect of common thistle (Cirsium vulgare) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) derived extracts on cutaneous lesions healing in Holstein heifers

Skin wounds are frequently encountered in heifers because of management practices that use bloody interventions, or owing to lesions caused by unsound installations or fights for establishment of herd hierarchy and lead to the development of myiasis with potential economic losses. Plants derived extracts increase healing and tissue regeneration through multiple connected mechanisms and have synergistic effect on the overall wound healing efficiency. Thyme and common thistle active compounds derived extracts have significant effects for proper wound remedy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of common thistle and thyme derived extracts on Holstein heifer’s cutaneous skin lesions by second intention.

Experimental:

 The twenty Holstein heifers by average age, 15 months and average weight of 250±50 kg were selected to evaluate cutaneous lesions healing after treatment with common thistle and thyme derived extracts. Experimental wound excision model in heifers was created by means of a skin punch of 2cm diameter. The heifers were topically treated for 17 days with a saline control or decoctions of mixed with common thistle and thyme derived extracts with carboxymethyl cellulose. The centripetal retraction, clinical, and histological aspects of the wounds were observed until complete healing.

The phototherapeutics agent presents in thyme improved cicatrization of cutaneous lesions in cattle skin during the first days of treatment. The treatments were beneficial to the reparation process. The phytotherapeutics agent present in thyme and common thistle derived extracts exhibited positive effects in the inflammatory phase and on the reparation process. The herbal extract exhibited a positive effect on the macroscopic aspect of cutaneous lesions in cattle only during the first treatment days.

Recommended applications/industries:

 Both thyme and common thistle extracts improved fibroplasia. Phytotherapeutic activity of thyme was the most superior, and they may be used in topical treatment of cutaneous lesions in Holstein heifers.