Effects of the healing activity of rosemary-of-Chapada (Lippia gracilis Schauer) on cutaneous lesions in rats

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of rosemary leaf essential oil-based ointments on the healing of rat skin lesions. Methods: Sixty adult male rats, with dorsal excisional skin wounds made surgically under anesthesia, were divided into three groups (n = 20): Sham group (untreated wounds); control group (CG, wounds treated with vehicle); and essential oil (EO) treated group (wounds treated with essential oil-based ointments), administered topically once daily. Skin wounds were evaluated at 4, 7, 14, and 21 days after EO or vehicle treatments. Lesions were analyzed macroscopically for the contraction degree. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of skin wounds were used for histopathological evaluation. Results: Macroscopic evaluation showed wounds edges with thin crust without firmness and yellowish color, along with an improvement in wound contraction in EO group when compared to the other groups. A reduced inflammatory reaction, along with newly formed small diameter capillaries and more organized and elongated collagen fibers, were more frequently observed in EO group than in the other groups. Moreover, blood vessel number and collagen fibers density were significantly higher in EO group. Conclusions: Skin lesion treatment with rosemary leaf essential oil-based ointments accelerates the initial stages of healing, reduces inflammation, and increases angiogenesis, collagen fibers density, and wound contraction in rats.

Ointment of Ximenes americana promotes acceleration of wound healing in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the healing potential of the Ximenia americana hydroalcoholic extract in 10% cream in excisional wound models in rats. Methods: Sixty male adults Wistar rats were submitted to skin and subcutaneous tissue surgery in the right and left thoracic regions, divided into three experimental groups: Standard submitted to treatment with only the base vehicle, Treated wounds treated with hydroalcoholic extract of X. americana applied on 10%, Lanette base and Control, untreated wounds. The treatment was performed daily and the wounds evaluated microscopically by the quantification of fibroblasts, collagen fibers and blood vessels. Results: The histomorphometric analysis showed a significant increase in the number of fibroblasts, collagen fibers and blood vessels in the treated group. Conclusion: The topical action of the cream based on Ximenia americana shows angiogenic effects and improves the replacement of collagen, suggesting its use for the development of herbal remedy in the treatment of cutaneous wound healing.

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity testing of crude hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Sphagneticola trilobata (Asteraceae) / Triagem fitoquímica e atividade antimicrobiana do extrato hidroalcoólico bruto das folhas de Sphagneticola trilobata (Asteraceae)

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to perform phytochemical analysis and to test the antimicrobial activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the leaves of Sphagneticola trilobata. Classes of secondary metabolites present in the extract were identified through phytochemical screening using analytical thin-layer chromatography. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by testing cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from human skin and those of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from dog skin using the broth microdilution method. In the phytochemical screening, classes of anthracenic derivatives and mono-, sesqui-, and diterpenes were identified. Colorimetric analysis showed total phenol and total flavonoid contents of 21.7 ± 0.009 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of sample and 0.23 ± 0.005 mg of catechin equivalents per gram of sample, respectively. Microbiological analysis revealed that the hydroalcoholic extract of S. trilobata exhibited antimicrobial activity against cultures of Staphylococcus spp., E. coli, S. marcescens, and E. faecalis isolated from human skin and those of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from dog skin. Thus, crude hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of S. trilobata contained flavonoids and terpenoids as secondary metabolites, which contributed to its antimicrobial activity against skin bacteria isolated from different sources.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar a triagem fitoquímica preliminar e testar a atividade antimicrobiana do extrato hidroalcoólico bruto das folhas de Sphagneticola trilobata. A identificação das classes de metabólitos secundários presentes no extrato foi realizada através da cromatografia em camada delgada analítica (CCDA). Para determinar a quantidade de fenóis e flavonoides totais foram utilizados os métodos espectrofotométricos de Folin-Ciocalteu e complexação com AlCl3, respectivamente. Para avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana foram testadas culturas de Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae isoladas de pele humana e culturas de Staphylococcus spp. isoladas de pele de cães pelo método de microdiluição em caldo. Na triagem fitoquímica foi verificada reação positiva para a presença de derivados antracênicos, mono, sesqui e diterpenos. As análises colorimétricas mostraram conteúdos de fenóis totais e flavonoides totais de 21,7 ± 0,009 miligramas de equivalentes de ácido gálico por grama de amostra e 0,23 ± 0,005 miligramas de equivalentes de catequina por grama de amostra, respectivamente. Na análise microbiológica, o extrato hidroalcoólico das folhas de Sphagneticola trilobata apresentou atividade antimicrobiana frente às culturas de Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens e Enterococcus faecalis. Todas as culturas de Staphylococcus spp. isoladas de pele de cães foram sensíveis ao extrato. Conclui-se que o extrato hidroalcoólico bruto das folhas de Sphagneticola trilobata possui entre seus metabólitos secundários os flavonoides e terpenoides que contribuíram com a atividade antimicrobiana frente às bactérias isoladas de pele de diferentes origens.

Mast cell concentration and skin wound contraction in rats treated with Ximenia americana L

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate wound contraction and the concentration of mast cells in skin wounds treated with wild plum (Ximenia americana) essential oil-based ointment in rats. Methods: Sixty rats were submitted to two cutaneous wounds in the thoracic region, on the right and left antimeres. Thereon, they were divided into three groups: GX (wounds treated once a day with hydro alcoholic branch extract of Ximenia americana), GP (wounds that received vehicle), and GC (wounds without product application). Wounds were measured immediately after the injury as well as 4, 7, 14 and 21 days post-topical application of the extract. At these days, five rats from each group were euthanatized. Thereafter, samples were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and processed for paraffin embedding. Sections were stained with H.E, Masson's Trichrome and toluidine blue for morphological, morphometrical and histopathological analysis, under light microscopy. The degree of epithelial contraction was measured and mast cell concentrations were also evaluated with an image analyzer (Image Pro-plus®software) . Results: The extract treated group showed lower mast cell concentrations in the 4th day of lesion, as compared to GP (GX<GP=GC, p=0.029), as well as with increased contraction at 7th and 14th days, respectively (7th and 14th days, GX > GP = GC; p<0.05) . Conclusion: Ointment containing 10% X. americana induces a decrease in mast cell concentration, at the beginning of the healing process, and promotes early skin wound contraction in rats.

Fibrogenesis and epithelial coating of skin wounds in rats treated with angico extract (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil)

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of angico bark extract (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) in the healing process of the skin of rats. METHODS: Twenty adult male rats were divided into four groups of five animals each, according to the respective postoperative days, as follow: G4, G7, G14 and G21. Each group received two incisions on skin and subcutaneous tissue in the right and left antimere of the thoracic region, separated by a distance of 2 cm. The right lesion was treated daily with saline and the left with the angico alcoholic extract (5%). At the end of each experimental period, the animals were euthanized and fragments of the wound area with the edges were removed, fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and processed for paraffin embedding. Histological sections (5 μm of thickness) were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Gomori trichromic and picrosisirus red for morphological and morphometric analyses. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Morphological analysis showed larger fibroblasts and a higher concentration of collagen fibers in skyn wounds treated with the angico extract. Morphometric analysis demonstrated a significant increase in the number of fibroblasts at 7th and collagen in 7th and 14th days (p<0.01) in wounds treated with the angico extract. CONCLUSION: The angico alcoholic extract (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) induces the acceleration of wound healing in skin wounds of rats. .

Effects of angico extract (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) in cutaneous wound healing in rats / Efeitos do extrato de angico (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) em feridas cutâneas de ratos

PURPOSE: To study the effects of the angico extract (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) on the healing of rat skin. METHODS: Twenty adult rats were divided into four groups of five animals each, the G4, G7, G14 and G21, which corresponds to the respective postoperative days. Each group received two incisions on skin and subcutaneous tissue in the right and left antimere of the thoracic region, separated by a distance of 2 cm. The right lesion was treated daily with saline and the left with the angico alcoholic extract (5%). At the end of each experimental period, animals were euthanized and fragments of the wound area, together with the edges were removed, fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and processed for paraffin embedding. In the histological sections with 5 µm of thickness, were carried out immunohistochemical methods for detection of blood vessels (VEGF) and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for morphological analysis. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Morphological analysis showed larger fibroblasts and a higher concentration of collagen fibers in days 7 and 14 in wounds treated with the angico extract. Morphometric analysis demonstrated a significant increase in the number of blood vessels in both the seventh and 14th days (p<0.01) in wounds treated with the angico extract. CONCLUSION: The angico alcoholic extract (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) induces the acceleration of wound healing in skin wounds of rats.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do extrato de angico (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) na cicatrização em pele de ratos. MÉTODOS: Ratos machos adultos (n=20) foram distribuídos em quatro grupos de cinco animais cada, a saber: G4, G7, G14 e G21, o que corresponde a quatro, sete, 14 e 21 dias de pós-operatório. Cada grupo recebeu duas incisões na pele compreendendo o tecido subcutâneo, nos antímeros direito e esquerdo da região torácica, separadas por uma distância de dois cm. A lesão esquerda com extrato alcoólico de angico (5%), iniciando-se logo após a cirurgia por 21 dias consecutivos. Ao final de cada período (4, 7, 14 e 21 de pós-operatório) experimental foram coletados fragmentos da área da ferida, fixada em formol a 10% e processadas para inclusão em parafina. Nos cortes histológicos com 5 µm de espessura, foram realizados métodos imunoistoquímicos para detecção dos vasos sanguíneos (VEGF) e coloração pela hematoxilina para análise morfológica. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística ANOVA complementada pelo teste de Tukey-Kramer (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: A análise morfológica mostrou fibroblastos mais volumosos e alta concentração de fibras colágenas no 7º e 14º dias nas feridas tratadas com extrato de angico. A análise morfométrica demonstrou aumento significativo no número de vasos sanguíneos no sétimo e 14º dias (p<0,01) de pós-operatório em feridas tratadas com extrato de angico. CONCLUSÃO: O extrato hidroalcoólico a 5% da casca e entrecasca do angico (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) acelera a neoangiogênese em feridas cutâneas de ratos.

Efeito da ivermectina sobre a ciclicidade, gestação e desenvolvimento neonatal em ratos / Effects of ivermectin on parameters of the estrous cycle, gestation and lactation of rats

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o ciclo estral, gestação e lactação de ratas tratadas com ivermectina. 82 ratas albinas foram divididas em sete grupos. Os animais receberam água destilada (GI) ou diferentes doses de ivermectina, por via oral (GII=0,5; GIII=1,0; GIV=2,0; GV=4,0; GVI=8,0 e GVII=10,0 mg/kg). Os animais foram tratados por 45 dias, com ivermectina a cada três dias, totalizando 15 aplicações. Após esse período foi realizado exame colpocitológico durante 15 dias consecutivos. Ao final, quatro animais de cada grupo foram sacrificados e ovários e úteros retirados e processados para avaliação histológica. Os animais restantes foram acasalados e tratados com ivermectina, nas doses correspondentes a cada grupo, no 1º, 4º, 7º, 10º, 13º e 16º dias de gestação. Ao nascimento, os neonatos foram contados, analisados quanto à existência de defeitos congênitos, mortalidade e pesados até o 15º dia de lactação...

This work evaluates the estrous cycle, gestation and lactation of rats treated with ivermectin. Control (GI) rats received distilled water; and the remaining were treated during 45 days with ivermectin (GII=0.5; GIII=1.0; GIV=2.0; GV=4.0; GVI=8.0 and GVII=10.0 mg/kg) by the oral route, the drug being administered every three day, in a total of 15 administrations. Colpocytological examinations were then performed during 15 consecutive days. Four animals from each group were euthanized, and samples of ovaries and uteri were taken for histological evaluations. The remaining animals were mated and treated throughout the gestation period and further until the 15th postpartum day. Colpocytologic examinations revealed that the animals of groups II, III, IV, V, VI and VII presented a higher incidence of the estrus phase, in comparison with the control group (group I). Histopathologic studies showed that the groups treated with ivermectin presented an increased concentration of hyperplasic endometrial glands, where as the morphology of the ovary was not altered. The treatment did not affect the gestation lenght, the number of newborns nor did it caused congenital mortality or newborns malformations. During lactation, there was a significant slowering of the body weight gain of the litter. It is concluded that the treatment of female rats with ivermectin increases the incidence of the estrus phase. In addition, a definite deleterious effect is exerted on nursing animals as revealed by the reduced body weight gain of the litter.