[Extract from Passiflora edulis on the healing of open wounds in rats: morphometric and histological study].

INTRODUCTION: In Brazilian countryside, cataplasm made from Passiflora edulis leaves has been used by the population as a healing agent for infections and skin inflammations in an empiric basis.
PURPOSE: the aim of this work was to evaluate the healing process of open wounds in rats, in which Passiflora edulis hydro-alcoholic extract was applied.
METHODS: Sixty male, adult Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Passiflora group and Control group. Rats of the first group were treated with Passiflora edulis extract, and those of the second group received distilled water. The daily application of the extract or distilled water was carried out on a 2 cm diameter standardized circular wound on the dorsal region of each animal. Wound assessment was performed macroscopically and microscopically on the 7th, 14th, and 21st postoperative days. Microscopic analysis included hematoxylin-eosine and Masson Trichromium stains, evaluating inflammatory response, fibroplasia and collagen deposition. The wound retraction was evaluated by digital planimetry.
RESULTS: No significant difference in the rate of wound healing was detected comparing both groups. However, a significant increase in the number of fibroblastic cells was seen on the 7th PO day, and significantly greater collagen deposition was observed on the 14th day PO day in rats from the Passiflora group (p=0,012).
CONCLUSIONS: The application of the Passiflora edulis extract does not accelerate the healing process of open wounds in rats, but is associated with increased number of fibroblastic cells on 7th P.O. day and greater collagen deposition on the 14th PO day.