Use of Ointment or Aqueous Extract of Neem (<i>Azadirachta indica</i>) for the Repair of Experimental Skin Lesions in Sheep

Abstract

The skin is considered the largest organ in the body and this protective barrier can be broken in some situations. The wound healing process is a complex mechanism. Based on the difficulties encountered for treatment, alternatives are sought and one of the options may be phytotherapy. Azadirachta indica , known as Nim, is perhaps one of the most widely known and used medicinal plants. This research aimed to evaluate the viability and effectiveness of therapy with Neem, in the form of ointment or aqueous leaf extract. Eighteen sheep were randomly divided into three groups and subjected to the creation of a 7 × 7 cm excision wound on the chest wall. After, treatment was started according to each group. Animals in G1 did not receive any treatment; in G2, the ointment of Neem was applied and animals in G3 were treated with the preparation of an aqueous solution of Neem leaves. Photographic images were recorded, in addition to blood collection for complete blood count and tissue biopsy. The wound area measurements showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Fibrinogen levels were not different, and there was no difference in platelet levels. In the histopathological evaluation, G2 registered a greater presence of ulceration, when compared to G3, on day 7. On day 14, G2 still had a greater amount of ulceration, differentiating from G1. G2 also registered a greater presence of crust and a higher score of granulation tissue, in the last evaluation period, compared to G3. Analyzing the results obtained in this research and taking into account the conditions in which the study was carried out, it is possible to conclude that the use of Neem was not effective in accelerating the rate of wound healing in sheep.