The Effect of Cecropia glaziovii Gel on the Healing Process: Influence on the Balance between Cytokines and Growth Factors

The physiological regulation of wound healing depends on an interaction between different cells and mediators. Cecropia glaziovii is considered a model for the development of phytomedicines for health use due to its pharmacological activities attributed to the presence of flavonoids, procyanidins, catechins, and glycosides. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the anti-inflammatory effects of Cecropia glaziovii gel on the healing of skin lesions in an experimental model. For this purpose, a 3% CMC gel incorporated with the 5% aqueous extract of Cecropia glaziovii was developed. The experimental stage was performed using a dorsal punch model. The sample was composed of 48 Wistar rats, divided into two groups: PC, treated only with base gel, and CEC Cecropia, treated with Cecropia glaziovii gel. The groups were subdivided into 3, 7, 14, and 21 days of treatment. We performed VEGF-α and TGF-β1 analyses by immunohistochemistry, IL-10 and IL-12 analyses by flow cytometry, total collagen analysis by polarized light microscopy, macroscopic, and statistical analysis. The treatment provided anti-inflammatory activity acting on the balance of cytokines production and growth factors, stimulating the collagen deposition necessary for the effectiveness of the healing process.