Efficacy of Garlic (Allium sativum) and Synthetic Antibiotic (Neomycin+Bacitracin) on the Healing of Surgical Wound in Rabbits

This experiment was carried out to exploit the use of garlic (Allium sativum) paste and synthetic antibiotic (Neomycin + Bacitracin) ointment in the treatment of surgical wound in rabbit and to study their healing effect on wounds sutured with simple interrupted pattern using nylon. A total of 18 surgical wounds were made in nine rabbits. Tincture benzoin seal was used as control group. Follow-up information was recorded from day 0 to day 21 postoperatively. More swelled area (12.38 ± 0.23mm), elevation of sutured line (3.55 ± 0.13 mm) were observed in wounds of control group and lower swelled area (11.31 ± 0.12), elevation of sutured line (2.62 ± 0.11 mm) in wounds treated with garlic paste. Histopathological study revealed presence of marked inflammation with fibroblastic proliferation in samples collected at day 3. Microbiological studies revealed that bacterial colonies were present in culture of Day 1 samples collected from garlic and synthetic antibiotic treated group. Whereas, bacterial colonies were present in culture of samples of benzoin seal treated group at Day 1, 2 and 3. Result showed that Tr. Benzoin seal caused marked tissue reaction in comparison to garlic paste and combined synthetic antibiotic. Garlic paste showed better results in healing process. Combined synthetic antibiotic also showed good results. This study could help the veterinarian and researcher to consider herbal product specially garlic from economic point of view for the treatment and better healing of surgical wounds with minimum complication.