This PhD research explored a traditional Cook Islands plant remedy (now known as TVATI oil) and its effects on skin repair and bone healing. The oil is made by extracting selected native plants into coconut oil, based on traditional methods of use by Cook Islands healers.

The studies tested the oil on rats and rabbits to understand its safety and biological activity:

Skin Health & Wound Repair

• When applied to skin, the oil triggered thicker, healthier skin layers without causing irritation or inflammation.
• It was well tolerated by the animals – no illness, adverse reactions, or deaths occurred.
• Wounds treated with the oil showed signs of faster repair and stronger healing compared to untreated wounds.
• These effects were seen in both young and older animals, including those with age-related or hormone-related skin thinning.

Bone Healing

• When applied to the skin (not directly to the bone), the oil also influenced bone regeneration in models of fractures, critical bone defects, and spinal fusion.
• Animals treated with the oil showed more new bone growth, improved cartilage formation, and reduced inflammation in the healing areas.
• The results suggest the oil’s active compounds are absorbed through the skin into the body, where they act systemically to support healing.

Safety

• No negative effects were found in the skin, internal organs, or general health of the test animals.
• Coconut oil was essential for delivering the plant extracts effectively through the skin.

Why It Matters for Animals

The findings suggest that TVATI oil may support:

• Skin regeneration in pets with dry, thinning, or damaged skin.
• Wound healing for minor injuries, cuts, or abrasions.
• Potential benefits for bone health and repair in animals recovering from injury (though further studies are needed before clinical veterinary use).

This research takes traditional healing knowledge and begins to explain it with modern science - showing how natural plant extracts, when carefully prepared, may help support skin repair and comfort in animals.