Fibrinolytic effects of Matricaria chamomila in preventing peritoneal adhesions

Abdominal wall surgeries usually result in a common consequence which is peritoneal adhesion. Matrica chamomilla (MC) is a remedial herb with anti-inflammatory biologically active compounds which are effective in prevention of post-surgical adhesions. In this prospective study, 50 female rats were divided into 5 groups which received normal saline, chamomile extracts of 100mg/kg 200mg/kg 400 mg/kg and a control group. Intra-peritoneal ketamine 30 mg/kgwas administered for anesthesia. After surgical preparation of the abdomen, several scratches were made in the peritoneum and the abdominal wall was closed. Repeated laparotomy was performed 2 weeks later, and the peritoneum was biopsied for histo-pathological examination and grading of the adhesions. Data were analyzed with SPSS 13. Analysis was done using student’s t-test, chi square, Kruskal- Wallis and Mann- Whitney U tests. If the value of p≤ 0.05 the results were considered significant. The results show that adhesion, fibrosis, inflammation, and post-surgical vascularization was significantly less in chamomile group compared to rats receiving normal saline or the control group (p≤0.001). Chamomile has protective anti-inflammatory effects proved by significant restraining of the post-surgical adhesions. (Abstract truncated at 185 words)