The wound healing effect of Medicago sativa extract on pinna rabbit cartilage

Cartilaginous and movement diseases are the most prevalent problem in human. Various vitamins like A and C increase the process of regeneration and wound healing. In this research, the Alfalfa plant with scientific name Medicago sativa, that contains a lot amount of A, C, E and K vitamins, was used and effect of its extract on regeneration of pinna rabbit cartilage was studied. In this experimental laboratory study, 6 New Zealand male rabbits with 2.5-3 kg weight have been selected. After shaving hairs on ears with depilation cream, the ear were anesthetized by lidocaine 10% and 4 holes were punched with 4 mm diameter in medial situation of each ear. Test ears by extract of Medicago sativa and control ear were treated by normal saline every day. Holes era and the distance of two edges of cartilage were measured in various days of healing. Also, tissue sampling for microscopic observation by H&E color (day 0-50) was done. Regeneration and healing of the treated holes with extract of Medicago sativa was faster than the control holes (p<0/004). Also, thickness of cartilage and cell density of chondrocytes and fibroblasts in the newly formed connective tissues in test were more than control. The extract of Medicago sativa because of A, C vitamins containing, probably increased the wound healing and regeneration of the rabbit ear cartilage and suggest the pharmacological usages.