Experimental studies on the treatment of frostbite in rats.

The effect of treatment by high dose of vitamin C, rapid rewarming by 37 degrees C water alone and with vitamin C, rapid rewarming by 37 degrees C decoction of Indian black tea alone and with vitamin C for experimentally produced frostbite was evaluated in 6 groups (25 each) of rats. Frostbite was produced experimentally in the hind limbs by exposing the animals at -15 degrees C for 1h using the harness technique. The degree of injury was assessed and classified on the basis of tissue necrosis at the end of 15 days. Administration of high dose of vitamin C for prolonged period and rapid rewarming at 37 degrees C water bath immediately after cold exposure apparently reduced the tissue damage. High dose of vitamin C therapy preceded by rapid rewarming in plain water showed additional benefit. Rapid rewarming in decoction of Indian tea resulted in identical beneficial effect. The degree of tissue preservation was highest with rapid rewarming in tea decoction followed by high dose of vitamin C.