**1. Introduction**

Wound healing continues to pose a challenging clinical problem despite scientific develop‐ ments in the field. A correct and efficient wound management is essential. Emphasis is required on new and alternative therapeutic approaches and development of technologies for acute and chronic wound management. A wound can be defined as a damage or a disruption to the normal anatomical structure and function [1]. This can range from a simple break in the epithelial integrity of the skin or it can be deeper, extending into subcutaneous tissue with damage to other structures such as tendons, muscles, vessels, nerves, parenchymal organs, and even bones [2]. Depending on the time of repair, wounds can be divided as acute, chronic,

© 2016 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2016 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

and complicated. Wound healing is a natural, complex, dynamic yet continuous process, and is initiated as any injury occurs and continues till the entire repair of the wound and tissue remodelling is complete. The process can be randomly divided into (i) coagulation and haemostasis, (ii) inflammation, (iii) proliferation, and (iv) wound remodelling with scar tissue formation. If the wound healing is interrupted by any infection, tissue hypoxia, edema, growth factor imbalance or nutritional, and metabolic status of the host, then the wound may take extended time for repair. Normal wound healing is a dynamic and complex process involving a series of coordinated events including bleeding, coagulation, initiation of an acute inflam‐ matory response to the initial injury, regeneration, migration, and proliferation of connective tissue and parenchyma cells, as well as synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, remodelling of new parenchyma, connective tissue, and collagen deposition [3–7]. Modern synthetic allopathy‐based medicines have their share of limitations of allergy, resistance, cost, etc., which has prompted the scientists and wound care professionals to consider alternative approaches to wound healing and validating their use using modern technology. The perception toward alternative medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Chinese has changed. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines traditional medicine as "the sum total of the knowledge, skills, ands practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness" [8]. Each of the above‐mentioned systems of medical practice offers a variety of medicines for wound management and has been traditionally practiced since ancient times in few parts of the world and is fast getting acceptance in rest of the globe. Ayurveda or Indian traditional and Chinese medicine have rich abundance of knowledge and have been well known as ethnopharmaco‐ logical and folklore‐based systems. Siddha also has origin in south of India, Tamilnadu, which aims in providing ultimate cure to both mind and body systems. "Food as medicine" is the principle behind Siddha treatment. Unani system of medicine has its origin in Iran and also has documented evidences of antimicrobial herbs possessing wound healing properties. Ozone therapy has been in use since World War I times and offers remarkable bactericidal action. The abovementioned alternative therapies offer an economical approach to wound healing. Besides this benefit, they have significant lesser side effects thus increasing patient compatibility as compared to modern medicine.

### **2. Alternative approaches in wound healing**

### **2.1. Ayurvedic products**

A rich heritage of knowledge on preventive and curative medicines is available in ancient scholastic work included in the Atharvaveda (an Indian religious book), Ayurveda (Indian traditional system of medicine), etc. Many Ayurvedic plants have a very important role in the process of healing of wounds (*vrana*). Plants are more potent healers because they promote the repair mechanisms in the natural way. Plant‐based therapy not only accelerate healing process, moreover, also maintain the esthetics. More than 70% of wound healing Ayurveda‐based pharma products are plant‐based, 20% are mineral‐based, and remaining contain animal products as their base material. The plant‐based materials are used as first aid—antiseptic coagulants and wound wash [9]. Different Ayurvedic preparations are made and used topically for healing of wounds. Ghee is used in many Ayurvedic traditional preparations and also finds use as an ointment base. It is rich source of essential fatty acids (EFAs), which regulate prostaglandin synthesis and hence induce wound healing. Cow ghee (*Goghrita*) specifically possesses regenerative properties promoting the growth of healthy cells and is clinically proven. *Bhasma* is a calcined preparation in which the gem or metal is converted into ash. *Grithas*, also called as *neyyu*, are medicated clarified butter. *Taila* or medicated oil is manufac‐ tured by steeping powdered medicinal substances, water, vegetable drugs in paste form and fragrance‐producing materials such as cardamon, saffron, sandalwood, camphor. *Malam* (Cream) too is applied topically and has been documented in ancient ayurvedic texts for its helpfulness in wound healing. Some of the herbal drugs that are mentioned in Ayurvedic texts which have been specifically studied for their wound healing properties (*vranaropaka*) are mentioned below.

### *2.1.1. Aloe vera*

and complicated. Wound healing is a natural, complex, dynamic yet continuous process, and is initiated as any injury occurs and continues till the entire repair of the wound and tissue remodelling is complete. The process can be randomly divided into (i) coagulation and haemostasis, (ii) inflammation, (iii) proliferation, and (iv) wound remodelling with scar tissue formation. If the wound healing is interrupted by any infection, tissue hypoxia, edema, growth factor imbalance or nutritional, and metabolic status of the host, then the wound may take extended time for repair. Normal wound healing is a dynamic and complex process involving a series of coordinated events including bleeding, coagulation, initiation of an acute inflam‐ matory response to the initial injury, regeneration, migration, and proliferation of connective tissue and parenchyma cells, as well as synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, remodelling of new parenchyma, connective tissue, and collagen deposition [3–7]. Modern synthetic allopathy‐based medicines have their share of limitations of allergy, resistance, cost, etc., which has prompted the scientists and wound care professionals to consider alternative approaches to wound healing and validating their use using modern technology. The perception toward alternative medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Chinese has changed. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines traditional medicine as "the sum total of the knowledge, skills, ands practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness" [8]. Each of the above‐mentioned systems of medical practice offers a variety of medicines for wound management and has been traditionally practiced since ancient times in few parts of the world and is fast getting acceptance in rest of the globe. Ayurveda or Indian traditional and Chinese medicine have rich abundance of knowledge and have been well known as ethnopharmaco‐ logical and folklore‐based systems. Siddha also has origin in south of India, Tamilnadu, which aims in providing ultimate cure to both mind and body systems. "Food as medicine" is the principle behind Siddha treatment. Unani system of medicine has its origin in Iran and also has documented evidences of antimicrobial herbs possessing wound healing properties. Ozone therapy has been in use since World War I times and offers remarkable bactericidal action. The abovementioned alternative therapies offer an economical approach to wound healing. Besides this benefit, they have significant lesser side effects thus increasing patient

compatibility as compared to modern medicine.

460 Wound Healing - New insights into Ancient Challenges

**2.1. Ayurvedic products**

**2. Alternative approaches in wound healing**

A rich heritage of knowledge on preventive and curative medicines is available in ancient scholastic work included in the Atharvaveda (an Indian religious book), Ayurveda (Indian traditional system of medicine), etc. Many Ayurvedic plants have a very important role in the process of healing of wounds (*vrana*). Plants are more potent healers because they promote the repair mechanisms in the natural way. Plant‐based therapy not only accelerate healing process, moreover, also maintain the esthetics. More than 70% of wound healing Ayurveda‐based pharma products are plant‐based, 20% are mineral‐based, and remaining contain animal *A*. *vera* finds a mention in Ayurvedic practice since centuries regarding its wound healing property. A study carried out by Yadav *et al.* [10] in 2012 provides the scientific rationale for the traditional use of *A*. *vera* gel for management of wound using wound excision model in experimental rats. The effect produced by *A*. *vera* gel with reference to wound contraction, wound closure, decrease in surface area of wound, tissue regeneration at the wound site, and histopathological characteristics were significant in treated rats. The effect of *A*. *vera* gel on biochemical studies revealed significant increase in collagen and decreased hexosamine content and malondialdehyde levels when compared with control. The authors concluded that *A*. *vera* gel is very effective on open wounds and a promising herbal drug. It also had a marked influence on the collagen level which is the precursor protein for wound healing mechanism. *A*. *vera* gel reportedly accelerated epithelialization, neovascularization, and increased wound contraction in the later stage of the wound healing process.

### *2.1.2. Cleome rutidosperma DC.*

A study [11] justifies the use of folklore plant *C*. *rutidosperma* for the treatment of wounds. Petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts of *C*. *rutidosperma* (Family: Capparidaceae) roots were evaluated for their wound healing activities in rats using excision and incision wound models, respectively. The effects of wound healing were assessed by the rate of wound closure, period of epithelialization, and wound breaking strength. Nitrofura‐ zone (0.2% w/w) in simple ointment IP was used as reference standard for the activity comparison. The authors concluded that the animals treated with methanol and aqueous extracts of *C*. *rutidosperma* showed faster rate of wound healing compared with other extracts under study. The wound healing property of the roots can be attributed to the presence of flavonoids, triterpenoids, and tannins which possess the antimicrobial and astringent prop‐ erties which seem to be responsible for wound contraction and increased rate of epitheliali‐ zation.

### *2.1.3. Kshatantak Malam*

It is a combination of *Acyranthes aspera*, *Allium cepa*, and *Cannabis sativa* also known as *Baharer nani* has been traditionally reported by Bengal School of Ayurvedic Physicians as external healer for open cuts, complicated wounds and burns but still a scientific document proving its quality was not available. Gangopadhyay *et al*. [12] reported its pharmacological evaluation and chemical standardization for its wound healing activity in rats. The test drug was applied topically on a 8 mm diameter full thickness punch in Wistar rats. Framycetin and povidone‐ iodine ointment were used as standard comparators. Parameters such as wound contraction size (mm2 ), wound index, healing period (days), tensile strength (g), DNA (mg/g), RNA (mg/ g), total protein (mg/g), hydroxyproline (mg/g), PAGE study, and histological analysis were carried out for analysing the effects of the malam. Out of the three constituents, *A*. *aspera* specifically possesses potent wound healing activity, *A*. *cepa* owns antimicrobial activity, and *C*. *sativa* is capable of tissue repair by virtue of its anti‐inflammatory property.

## *2.1.4. Katupila (Securinega leucopyrus) (Willd.)*

Another plant used since ancient times in Saurashtra region of India and Srilanka is known as *Katupila* in Srilanka and *Humari* in India. It is mentioned as one of the 60 measures for wound healing by *Acharya Sushruta* (Ancient spiritual Hindu teacher). *Katupila* leaves act as antiseptic, and the paste is capable of removing extraneous material from the wounds without the need of surgery [13].

### *2.1.5. Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation*

Rawat and Gupta [14] reported wound healing activity of a prepared ayurvedic formulation containing *Jasad Bhasma*, *Gandhak*, *Tankankhar*, *and Ras Kapoor*. *J*. (*Yashad*) *Bhasma* is ash con‐ taining zinc. *Gandhak or Gandhaka Rasayan* is an ayurvedic mineral‐based medicine, which contains detoxified sulfur processed with herbal juice as a main ingredient. *Gandhak Rasayan* is a great antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial ayurvedic medicine. *Tankankhar* is borax applied topically for its analgesic property. Ras Kapoor are pills made out of camphor (*karpoora/ kapoor*), mercury compound (*Shuddha Hingula*), purified opium (*Papaver somniferum*), nutgrass (*Musta/ Cypeus rotundus*), Connessi seed (*Indrayava*/ *Holarrhena antidysenterica*), and Nutmeg (*Jatiphala/ Myristica fragrans*). The preparation was studied on excision and incision wound models in rats. The preparation exhibited remarkable wound healing in rats and the authors suggest further mechanism‐based probing to prove the effectiveness of the constituents to be utilised in humans.

Few more folklore plants which were validated by means of preclinical wound healing studies are mentioned below in **Table 1**. Almost all the plants are shown to be wound healers by applying their extracts topically on wounds created by punches on rats. Their subsequent effect on wound healing models such as excision, incision, and dead space wound models in rats corroborate their wound healing properties. These plants ultimately are reported to stimulate wound contraction, increase hydroxyproline and eventually collagen content thus strength‐ ening the wound area, increase the wound closure rate, reduce scar area, and epithelialization period. Few plants such as *A*. *cepa*, *Ageratum conyzoides*, and *Heliotropium indicum* are known to specifically heal the wounds by benefit of their antioxidant property. Dexamethasone is a potent anti‐inflammatory glucocorticoid which is used in skin allografts but is known to delay wound healing. Plants such as *Ocimum sanctum*, *Gossypium herbaceum*, *Ficus hispida*, *Pyrus communis*, and *Tetrapleura tetraptera* have been specifically shown to promote dexamethasone suppressed wound healing tested in wound healing models (**Table 1**). *Alafia multiflora* is found to be one of the plants which contains retinoids and have shown marked interaction with steroids like dexamethasone and was reported to further delay the healing of dexamethasone‐ suppressed wounds. Thus, vitamin A even if known to hasten the process of wound healing is shown to interact with steroids and thus concomitant application should be avoided in dexamethasone suppressed wounds. Few plants such as *Echinacea* species, Vitamins such as A and E found in plants, Bromelain, and Grape seed extract have demonstrated few interac‐ tions with conventional therapies used for wound healing (**Table 1**).

*2.1.3. Kshatantak Malam*

462 Wound Healing - New insights into Ancient Challenges

size (mm2

of surgery [13].

utilised in humans.

It is a combination of *Acyranthes aspera*, *Allium cepa*, and *Cannabis sativa* also known as *Baharer nani* has been traditionally reported by Bengal School of Ayurvedic Physicians as external healer for open cuts, complicated wounds and burns but still a scientific document proving its quality was not available. Gangopadhyay *et al*. [12] reported its pharmacological evaluation and chemical standardization for its wound healing activity in rats. The test drug was applied topically on a 8 mm diameter full thickness punch in Wistar rats. Framycetin and povidone‐ iodine ointment were used as standard comparators. Parameters such as wound contraction

g), total protein (mg/g), hydroxyproline (mg/g), PAGE study, and histological analysis were carried out for analysing the effects of the malam. Out of the three constituents, *A*. *aspera* specifically possesses potent wound healing activity, *A*. *cepa* owns antimicrobial activity, and

Another plant used since ancient times in Saurashtra region of India and Srilanka is known as *Katupila* in Srilanka and *Humari* in India. It is mentioned as one of the 60 measures for wound healing by *Acharya Sushruta* (Ancient spiritual Hindu teacher). *Katupila* leaves act as antiseptic, and the paste is capable of removing extraneous material from the wounds without the need

Rawat and Gupta [14] reported wound healing activity of a prepared ayurvedic formulation containing *Jasad Bhasma*, *Gandhak*, *Tankankhar*, *and Ras Kapoor*. *J*. (*Yashad*) *Bhasma* is ash con‐ taining zinc. *Gandhak or Gandhaka Rasayan* is an ayurvedic mineral‐based medicine, which contains detoxified sulfur processed with herbal juice as a main ingredient. *Gandhak Rasayan* is a great antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial ayurvedic medicine. *Tankankhar* is borax applied topically for its analgesic property. Ras Kapoor are pills made out of camphor (*karpoora/ kapoor*), mercury compound (*Shuddha Hingula*), purified opium (*Papaver somniferum*), nutgrass (*Musta/ Cypeus rotundus*), Connessi seed (*Indrayava*/ *Holarrhena antidysenterica*), and Nutmeg (*Jatiphala/ Myristica fragrans*). The preparation was studied on excision and incision wound models in rats. The preparation exhibited remarkable wound healing in rats and the authors suggest further mechanism‐based probing to prove the effectiveness of the constituents to be

Few more folklore plants which were validated by means of preclinical wound healing studies are mentioned below in **Table 1**. Almost all the plants are shown to be wound healers by applying their extracts topically on wounds created by punches on rats. Their subsequent effect on wound healing models such as excision, incision, and dead space wound models in rats corroborate their wound healing properties. These plants ultimately are reported to stimulate wound contraction, increase hydroxyproline and eventually collagen content thus strength‐ ening the wound area, increase the wound closure rate, reduce scar area, and epithelialization

*C*. *sativa* is capable of tissue repair by virtue of its anti‐inflammatory property.

*2.1.4. Katupila (Securinega leucopyrus) (Willd.)*

*2.1.5. Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation*

), wound index, healing period (days), tensile strength (g), DNA (mg/g), RNA (mg/




**No. Name Wound healing**

464 Wound Healing - New insights into Ancient Challenges

7. *Eucalyptus globules* (Myrtaceae)

8. *Terminalia Chebula* (Combretaceae)

9. *Aegel marmelos* (Bael) (Rutaceae)

10. *Alternanthera sessilis*

11. *Mussaenda frondosa*. (*Linn*.) (Rubiaceae)

12. *Aristolochia bracteata* (Aristolochiaceae) and *Cassia tora* (Leguminosae)

14. *Anthocephalus Cadamba* (Rubiaceae)

15. *Lantana camara* (*Linn*.) (Verbenaceae)

17. *Curcuma longa* (*Linn*.) (Zingiberaceae)

16. *Carapa guianensis* (Meliaceae)

13. *Mimosa pudica* (Mimosaceae)

(*Linn*.) (Amaranthaceae)

**activity**

scar area was observed [20]

nitrofurazone ointment [26]

promotion of collagen fibers [27]

significant increase in wound closure rate, skin‐breaking strength, granuloma breaking strength, hydroxyproline content, granuloma dry weight and decrease in

Traditionally, fruit pulp is used to stop bleeding. Recent studies showed that various aqueous and organic extracts increased cell proliferation and reduced free radical production thus promoting wound healing. Significant utility of the plant is in cases

Methanolic extract was found to heal wounds faster when tested in wound healing models in rats. *A*. *marmelos* treated wounds were reported to epithelialize faster and rate of wound contraction was higher as compared to control group of rats [23]

Consist of chemical constituents like α and β‐spinosterols lupeal isolated from roots. The leaves are used for cuts and wounds. The wound healing property of *A*. *sessilis*

The leaves extract was tested on wound healing models in rats. *M*. *frondosa* treated rats displayed Increased wound concentration and tensile strength, augmented

Wound contracting ability of the extracts was significantly greater than that of the control, which was comparable to that of the reference standard 0.02%w/w

Used in folklore medicine for arresting bleeding and in skin diseases. *M*. *pudica* has been reported to contain mimosine (an alkaloid), free amino acids, sitosterol, linoleic acid and oleic acid. The wound healing studies on roots indicated that phenols constituents/tannins play an important role in wound healing process. The result of excision wound model is indicating that significant increase in wound contraction compared with standard group, revealing that the extract has ability to induce cellular proliferation. The increase in tensile strength of wounded skin indicates the

The potent wound healing capacity was shown from the wound contraction and increased tensile strength has thus validated the ethno therapeutic claim [28]

The ethanolic leaf extract of *C*. *guianensis* showed increase in the rate of wound

healing time and reduced scarring at the wound enclosure [29]

contraction, skin breaking strength, the rate of epithelialization [30]

Showed considerable signs of dermal healing and significantly decrease mean wound

Curcumin has potent anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities. Volatile oil isolated from *C*. *longa* also exhibits antibacterial and potent anti‐inflammatory activity. *C*. *longa* also contains protein, fats, vitamins (A, B, C, etc) all of which have an important role

It is used for cuts, wounds and to boost the immune system [21]

where ammonia accumulation is a limiting factor [22]

(*Linn*.) attributed to sterols present in the plant [24]

hydroxyproline content along with antibacterial activity [25]

24. *Ocimum sanctum* (*Linn*.) (Labiaceae) Ethanolic extract of *O*. *sanctum* significantly decreased the anti‐healing effect of dexamethasone in all wound models like incision, excision and dead space wound model. It was reported that the plant has various actions like free radical scavenging effect, metal chelation and immune modulation [38]



**Table 1.** Ayurvedic plants with reported wound healing activity.

### **2.2. Siddha medicines**

**No. Name Wound healing**

466 Wound Healing - New insights into Ancient Challenges

25. *Gossypium herbaceum* (*Linn*.) (Malvaceae)

26. *Ficus hispida* (*Linn*.) (Moraceae)

28. *Tetrapleura tetraptera* (Mimosaceae)

29. *Alafia multiflora* (*Stapf*.) (*Apocynaceae*)

30. *Echinacea* species (*Echinacea purpurea*, *Echinacea pallida*, *Echinacea angustifolia*) (Asteraceae)

*sativus*)

32. Bromelain (Protein extract from pineapple, *Ananas*

**activity**

pro‐healing effect of the plant [40]

condition like diabetes [41]

strength improvement [42]

31. Vitamin A (Retinoic acid) Interaction with steroids to further delay wound healing [45]

usage 2 weeks before surgery [46]

Plants with interactions with conventional therapies and reported side effects

27. *Pyrus communis* (Rosaceae) Ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of *P*. *communis* were tested in dexamethasone

Plant reported to display interaction with dexamethasone and further delay wound healing (drug–herb interaction)

contributing to the delayed wound healing [43]

Risk of poor wound healing in chronic users [44]

33. Vitamin E Can improve wound healing owing to its antioxidant property but carries risk of

34. Grape seed extract Possesses antioxidant activity owing to the presence of active proanthocyanidin

Ethanol and ethyl ether fractions of *G*. *herbaceum* were tested in wound models to test the effect of the plant on diabetes and dexamethasone delayed wounds. The plant displayed significant increased wound contraction, breaking strength and decreased epithelization period. Hydroxyproline and collagen content was increased [39]

Ethanolic extract of roots of *F*. *hispida* was investigated in normal and dexamethasone depressed healing conditions, using incision, excision and dead space wound models in albino rats. Collagen and hydroxyproline content was increased thus proving the

delayed wound healing model in rats. The study reported that plant treated wounds displayed fast healing of infectious wound, in immunosuppressed and disease

The stem bark aqueous extract was studied for effect on dexamethasone delayed wounds in excision and incision wound models in rats. The authors reported excellent potential of the plant related to epithelialization, contraction and tensile

The study on *A*. *multiflora* highlights the drug‐herb interaction. Aqueous extract of the plant was studied for its effect on normal and dexamethasone delayed wounds in rats utilizing excision and incision wound models. It showed beneficial effects in normal rats. But in dexamethasone delayed wounds, the plant extract further deteriorated the wound healing. This proved the known interaction between retinoids occurring in the plant and the steroid but also indicated at involvement of some other constituent

Can improve wound healing but carries risk of bleeding. Recommended to stop its

bleeding. Recommended to stop its usage 2 weeks before surgery [47]

content. Proanthocyanidin is a bioflavonoid that acts as a strong antioxidant, protecting DNA from harmful free radicals. Additionally, grape seed extract has been Siddha is the traditional system of medicine practiced in Tamilnadu, South India, and Tamil speaking areas of the world. The Siddhars' (founders of Siddha medicine) used lots of herbs to treat cardiac and respiratory conditions, heal wounds, treat snake and scorpion bites, dreaded diseases like cancer, and documented them in the form of palm leaf manuscripts, stone, and copper scriptures, etc. The claim of the Siddha physicians is that the medicinal plants are commonly identifiable, easily available throughout the year, cost effective, and with lesser adverse effects [49]. The Siddha system of medicine aims at offering complete cure to mind and body. It follows the principle of "Food as medicine" [50]. The Siddhars have documented many oils (*Tailam*) and ointments (*Kalimbu*) effective in wound healing. There are few plants mentioned in Siddha system of traditional medicine which have been evaluated preclinically for their wound healing activity.

Few noteworthy studies using Siddha medicines are mentioned below.

### *2.2.1. Siddha polyherbal oils*

Siddha medicine has used *Kayathirumeniennai*, *punguthailam*, *and mathanthailam* as polyherbal (medicated oils) since centuries, but recently, Sabarianandh *et al*. in 2014 made efforts to scientifically validate the use of these oils on experimentally induced burn wounds in Wistar rats. The study showed wound contraction was significantly decreased; epithelialization was increased as compared to the vehicle treated group. This was even confirmed by the histopa‐ thological analysis [51].

### *2.2.2. Heritage Sanjeevi*

Pugalendhi *et al*. demonstrated the effect of Heritage *Sanjeevi* (a Siddha combination drug) on wound healing in Wistar rats. "Heritage *Sanjeevi*" is a medication made up of *Curcuma Aromatia*, *Psoralea Corylifolia*, *Vernonia Anthemintica* (*Willd*.), *Hydnicarpus Laurifolia*, *Elettaria Cadamomum*, coconut milk, mercury, sulphur, hydrogyrum schloride calomel, "Sulphie" of lead, copper sulphate, zinc sulphate, and camphor. The mixtures of these compounds were processed in the manner that all the inorganic material is detoxified using an ancient detoxin called *Pooneer*. The extracted oil is filtered and stored in glassware. It is used for external application only, and its shelf life is six years, and it has been claimed to have excellent healing property against burns, scalds, chemical burns, acid burns, and radiation burns. The medica‐ tion was tested on Wistar rats by external application till the time the wound which was created using a punch was completely healed. The study results demonstrated significant reduction in the size of the wound. The authors claimed that wound healing can be credited to one or few constituents of the medication causing collagen production and thus helping in faster wound correction [52].
