[From Rumanian folk medicine: Non-specific stimulus therapy using transcutaneous implantation of hellebore (Helleborus purpurascens, Fam. Ranunculaceae) in agriculturally useful animals].

In the Rumanian traditional medicine a transcutaneous implantation of the root of Helleborus purpurascens is used to provoke leucocytosis and neutrophils with the aim to activate chronic diseases for better healing. The skin is perforated with a thick needle (in cattle and horses in the area of the thorax, in sheep and pigs in the ear flap), the transplant is introduced and after 24 hours removed. Though the method is more than 100 years old, it is not reported in the literature. The way of action is unknown. The investigation are performed to show the efficacy of this method of Helleborus-implants in comparison with the effect of an placebo. It could be shown that Helleborus-implant increased leucocytes in horses, sheep and pigs and increased neutrophils in all animal species. In the same way the phagocytosis was increased. Only in horses an abscess was observed. As a loss of performance may occur and fever and inappetence is followed by the implantation the authors dissuade from the use of Helleborus-implants in cattle and horses. Pigs and sheep tolerate this procedure without any problems, so that the methods may be used in modern treatment.