Flavonoid action in second intention healing in surgically-induced clean wounds in Wistar rats

Abstract

Flavonoids represent one of the main groups of substances with pharmacological activities in plants. They are used to increase the effectiveness of the healing process in wounds and ulcers. Propolis and green tea (Camellia sinensis) are two products rich in flavonoids that present indications as: anti-inflammatory antibacterial, antioxidant and healing ones. The present study aims to evaluate the action of propolis and green tea on the healing process in clean wounds. The wounds were produced in 20 Wistar rats. In each rat two symmetrical lesions of 11 mm diameter were induced using a surgical punch. The lesions were located on the left and right sides of the lateral thoracic region. Later the rats were divided in 2 groups. Group 1 – treated with 0.9% physiologic solution (left side), and with green teabased cream (Camellia sinensis) at 20% (right side); Group 2 – treated with base cream (left side) and treated with propolis-based cream at 20% (right side). The lesions diameters were measured every three days. The lesions healing was observed after 15 days, and there was no significant difference among the treatments, despite groups treated with green tea and propolis cream presenting better evolution during the treatment.