Testing of Medical Sheep Fur with Antimicrobial Properties – Part 1

Abstract

The medical treatment of patients with rheumatic, joint and muscle diseases can be improved by alternative methods. The essential oils extracted from different plants have certain analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, immunostimulating properties, etc. Products have been made based on essential oils with therapeutic properties (mint, cajeput, eucalyptus), which can be used to treat the surface of finished sheep fur for medical purposes. The sheep furs were tanned (without metals) with syntans based on phenolsulfonic acids and aromatic oxysulfones and treated with products based on essential oils with therapeutic properties, to be used to make medical fur articles (lumbar and cervical belts, knee pads, elbow pads, etc.). They can improve rheumatic, muscular and circulatory conditions, complementing the medical treatment of patients suffering from these conditions. The work presents the chemical, physical-mechanical and microbiological characterization of natural furs for medical use.