ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Phyllocaulis boraceiensis mucus has been studied as a potential source of new natural compounds that are capable of inducing proliferation and remodeling tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical aspects of healing in the wounded mouse skin, which was treated with an ointment that was composed of mucus, which was released by P boraceiensis.
MATERIALS & METHODS: Mice were submitted to a 1-cm2 dorsal excision. The control group (T1) was treated with papain; the T2 group was treated with papain that was associated with 0.18 [mu]g/[mu]L of mucus; and the T3 group was treated with papain that was associated with 0.012 [mu]g/[mu]L of mucus.
RESULTS: Accelerated proliferation was observed after 3 days in the T3 group, presenting a high deposition of fibroblasts at the wound margin, whereas accelerated proliferation in the T1 group began 5 days after surgery. The T2 group presented inflammation during all periods of observation, and even when healing had already begun, the new tissue showed capillary fragility. Remodeling began after 4 days in the T3 group, whereas remodeling began after 6 days in the other groups. T3 showed edema, hyperemia, and bleeding only until the fifth day, and granulation and scar tissues intensely appeared from the 11th day forward. T1 and T2 groups exhibited edema, hyperemia, and bleeding until the 11th day, and granulation and scar tissues appeared after the 13th day.
CONCLUSION: The healing process and wound closure were efficient after the daily application of 0.012 [mu]g/[mu]L P boraceiensis mucus.