Is there a role for Essential Oils in wound healing in veterinary practice?

Abstract

Background: Essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants are now becoming widely accepted as potential alternative treatment options to the conventional pharmaceutical agents for wound healing [1]. With the increasing search for new antimicrobial agents due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance to available drugs, there is renewed interest in investigating the role of essential oils in fighting infections [2,4]. Objective: To investigate the EOs ability to stimulate tissue healing, control microbial colonization, and modulate inflammation in veterinary practice. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted based on scientific sources, addressing the effects of EOs on inflammatory responses, cell regeneration, and infection prevention. Studies searched in PubMed and ScienceDirect were analyzed, focusing effectiveness of essential oils and therapeutic properties. The search was performed using mesh and/or free text terms: “essential oils” AND “wound healing” AND “veterinary” or "secondary infection prevention” AND “essential oils” AND “animal wounds". Selection criteria included relevance to wound healing and potential applicability in veterinary medicine. In vivo, in vitro and clinical studies were considered, while non-specific reviews and studies lacking detailed data were excluded. Results: In a total of 21 studies, findings indicate that EOs enhance wound healing by stimulating fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis. Notably, tea tree, lavender, thyme, oregano, and chamomile oils demonstrated both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing cytokine-mediated inflammation [5]. Many EOs exhibited potent activity against E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and B. subtilis, with combinations outperforming conventional antibiotics. Some oils, including chamomile and lavender, promoted faster epithelialization and reduced oxidative stress in wounds [2,3,4]. Despite some limitations, this review supports the feasibility of integrating these natural compounds into veterinary topical formulations for wound healing. Conclusions: Essential oils present a promising complementary approach to veterinary wound care by accelerating tissue repair, reducing inflammation and preventing infections. Further research is needed on standardized dosages and ensure safety.