Study of wound healing in rat skin treated with extract of Hedera helix, L / Estudo da cura de feridas na pele de rato tratada com extrato de Hedera helix, L

Abstract

The Hera (Hedera helix L) is part of the ARALIACEAE family, is included in the group of plants that produce saponins, has antifungal action, is hypocholesterolemic, has anti-inflammatory activity, is expectorant, antispasmodic and purifying. It was evaluated, by histological studies, the wound healing action of the extract of Hera leaves on skin wounds, as well as changes in the epithelial tissue and wound healing period. 75 Wistar rats were used and divided into five groups, according to the treatment: negative control (PBS), Hera 10 mg/ml, Hera 30 mg/ml, Hera 50 mg/ml and the positive control (Nebacetin). The animals were anesthetized and undergone through a cut of 4 cm in the dorsal region, exposing their muscle fascias. Right after, daily, the suitable substance to each group was applied in the lesion. After periods of 3, 7, 14, 21 days after the surgery, the animals were killed to collect fragments of the lesion. The material was prepared in stained slides with HE and toluidine blue for histologic analysis. The results showed that at day 14 of treatment, the animals under effect of 30 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml of Hera extract did not present edema. It was also observed a reduction in vascular congestion in the Hera of 30 mg/ml, Hera 50 mg/ml and Nebacetin groups compared to the other groups analyzed. All groups treated with Hera extract showed a reduction of inflammatory cells in day 14 post-lesion, besides the increase of fibroblast this period, showing acceleration in the chronicity of the lesion. Regarding the number of mast cells, a significant increase in the early lesion, in the 3 and 7 days periods was observed, in Hera 50 mg/ml and 30 mg/ml groups, respectively. According to the results, the Hera extract, especially at concentrations of 30 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml accelerated the healing process; based on the decreased permanence period of the edema and congestion of the vessels, as well as changes in the number of cells related to inflammation of lesions.