Cassia occidentalis: effect on healing skin wounds induced by Bothrops moojeni in mice

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the healing activity of an extract from the leaves of Cassia occidentalis on skin wounds induced by the venom of Bothrops moojeni in mice. Methods: A total of 24 Swiss albino mice were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 animals were treated for 7 days with lanette cream; Group 2 animals were treated for 7 days with 10% leaf extract of Cassia occidentalis in lanette cream; Group 3 animals were treated for 14 days with lanette cream; and Group 4 animals were treated for 14 days with 10% leaf extract of Cassia occidentalis in lanette cream. To induce wounds, the animals were anesthetised intramuscularly after the dorsum cervical region was shaved and inoculated intradermally with 4 μg Bothrops moojeni venom. The gross and histological evaluations were assessed 7 and 14 days after inoculation of the poison. Results: Extract from the leaves of Cassia occidentalis decreased inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia and increased the vascular proliferation and reepithelialisation of wounds induced by Bothrops moojeni venom. Conclusions: These data suggest that the leaves of Cassia occidentalis stimulated the healing of wounds induced by the dermal venom of Bothrops moojeni in mice, and they can be considered an alternative product to treat wounds caused by this snakebites.