Abstract

The use of natural products with curative action is a common cultural practice in the Brazilian Amazon, but little explored scientifically. The effect of Hymenaea courbaril L sap extract and its contribution to wound healing in mice was evaluated. The antioxidant potential of the extract was studied using the radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhidrazil and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid radical, anion superoxide (O2-) radical tests, phenol and flavonoid content, proliferation assay, cell viability and migration. In vivo tests were performed on adult Swiss mice, submitted to back injury and treated with a formulation containing 2% sap extract, extracted with ethyl acetate. The animals were treated topically for 14 days, it was observed that the sap extract has antioxidant activity, inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species, presented potential for the proliferation of fibroblasts and promoted cell migration. Morphometric analysis of wound closure on the 3rd day suggested that animals treated with Jatobá sap had a reduced area of injury when compared with the control group on the 3rd post-injury day for the treated group. On the 14th day, there was no difference between groups. The total closure of the wounds did not occur during the 14-day experiment, but through histological evaluation, it was found that there was re-epithelialization. The results suggest that Jatobá sap extract has the potential to induce the healing of skin wounds due to its antioxidant activity.

Key words: Hymenaea courbaril L extract, cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, wound.