HERBS IN TRADITIONAL SARDINIAN MEDICINE: BETWEEN TRADITION AND SCIENCE

Testimonies rooted in oral tradition

Oral tradition attests, to cite a few cases, the infusion of oleander leaves (Lionaxi) as an external disinfectant, the poultice of dotted gigaro leaves (Satzaròi) to treat burns; the oil of mastic fruits (Moddissi) to treat scabies; the decoction of maidenhair fern branches (Erba chi non infunde) to combat the hated dandruff.

Again, the poultice of Sardinian periwinkle leaves (Proinca) to treat the knee joint, the poultice of chard leaves (Eda) for bruises; the decoction of the rhizome and branches of male fern (Finisci masculu) massaged on the parts affected by arthritis.

Mexina® Complex Gel

The gel identified as Mexina® Complex is the result of a pool of endemic and non-endemic plants from Sardinia with a formulation handed down for more than 80 years and then made usable for production/cosmetic/pharmaceutical purposes by research, on the territory and in the laboratory, by Arvurepharma, a company committed to the valorization of a heritage of Sardinian folk medicine that was gradually disappearing.

The gel thus created has been successfully used in various fields of medicine, although it is still registered as a cosmetic; some of these are:

• Burns 2* and 3* degree;
• bedsores;
• post-operative scars (breast augmentation/reduction, blepharoplasty, cesarean section scar, various scars from insertion of laparoscopic cannulas);
• dermabrasion for tattoo removal;
• post-chemical peeling regeneration;
• use in implantology techniques in the proliferation of new bone tissue and reduction of tissue and implant response times (study by the University of Chieti, with related scientific publication);
• dermatitis;
• acne;
• adjuvant in the treatment of the inflammatory phase of Herpes Zoster skin rashes;
• a possible use in the ophthalmic field for the production of eye drops with a broad inflammation modulating action and possible artificial tears with higher dilutions always with an anti-inflammatory and soothing action;
• use after lacerated and contused wounds in purebred horses and companion dogs (for veterinary use);
• cosmetic and anti-aging use.