Influence of a semi-solid formulation of Persea americana oil fruit on the healing of cutaneous wounds in rats

Persea americana Mill. (Avocado) oil fruit presents polyunsaturated (oleic (ω-9) and linoleic (ω-6)) and monounsaturated fatty acids (linolenic (ω-3) [1,2]. Several studies have shown a role for ω-9, ω-6 and ω-3 in the process of tissue repair [3,4,5]. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a semi-solid formulation of avocado oil (SSFAO) on cutaneous wound healing of rats. Wistar rats (200–250g) were anesthetized with intraperitoneal injection of ketamine (75mg/kg) plus xylazine (15mg/kg) followed by shaving of the skin at wounding site and an circular area (78.5mm2) of skin was surgically removed from dorsal region of the animals. After surgery, the animals were divided in groups (n=6) and treated with topical application of SSFAO (1%, 5%, 10% or 50%), avocado oil (AO), CuratecAge® (positive control) and petroleum jelly (negative control) once daily for 14 days. Concerning to wound area (mm2) evolution, in the second day of treatment a statistically significant difference was observed between the AO group (118.88±14.37) compared to positive control (86.56±16.23), and in the fifth day the difference was observed between SSFAO 1% (59.52±9.74) compared to negative control (92.09±14.91). No difference was observed on the qualitative aspects (crust color and presence of fibrin, exudates, granulation and re-epithelialization) between SSFAO groups (1%, 5%, 10%, 50%) or AO when compared to controls. In conclusion, the topic use of SSFAO (1%, 5%, 10%, 50%) or the AO appears to have no influence over the wound healing of rats.

Keywords: Persea americana, wound healing

References: [1] Salgado JM et al. (2008) CTA 28: 20–26.

[2] Tango JS et al. (2004) RBF 26: 17–23.

[3] Manhezi AC et al. (2008) RBE 61: 620–629.

[4] Hatanaka E Curi R (2007) RBF 88: 53–58.

[5] Cardoso RB et al. (2004) WRR 12: 235–243.