Wound Healing Agents as Described by Avicenna in the Canon of Medicine

Abstract

Topical wounds are common complications, and it is necessary to find new remedies and approaches for their treatment. In this study, Avicenna’s definitions of topical wounds and his treatment strategies are investigated and compared with contemporary findings. Data were extracted from the fourth chapter of the fourth volume of the Canon of Medicine and databases of PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar using keywords of wound healing, Avicenna, Persian medicine, etc. Avicenna tries to clarify categorizations, semiology, pathophysiology, dressing, remedies and treatment strategies for wound. Many of his descriptions—like callus and the importance of angiogenesis in wound healing—are close to current definitions. He also mentioned to strategies like using gauze in dressing, control of bleeding and swelling (inflammation), washing and clearing wounds, using suture and surgery in some cases and also prescribing tonic foods. Furthermore, the efficacy of many natural remedies mentioned by Avicenna like Boswellia sacra Flück., Hordeum vulgare L., Prangos ferulacea Lindl., Quercus persica Jaub. & Spach, Brassica oleracea L., and Plantago major L. have been evaluated and approved by contemporary investigations. These results demonstrate the impact of Avicenna’s knowledge on wounds and wound healing process. Therefore, besides historical impact, it is important as a novel natural source to find new medicaments based on this ancient knowledge.

Keywords

• History of medicine
• Integrative medicine
• Persian medicine
• Phytotherapy
• Wound healing
• Avicenna