PURPOSE:To compare the use of latex derivative and Aloe vera extract to wound healing. METHODS:Twenty one rats were randomly divided into three groups and each one had a wound made by incision. The treatment consisted in: derivative of latex (GL), Aloe vera extract (GA) and saline solution (GC). The wound area was measured on the 7th, 14th and 21st days and macroscopic and microscopic evaluation were done. RESULTS:The comparison between the measurements of the wounds presented statistical difference in GC and GA from the 7th day of evaluation and GL from the 14th day. The extent of the wound was significantly smaller by the 7th day in GL. Histologically, in GL, the neovascularization was significant on the 7th, 14th and 21st days. On the 21st day the scar was large and little mature. In GA and GC, the findings were similar on the 7th, 14th and 21st days with a slight better organization of skin and collagen on the 21st in GA.CONCLUSIONS: Statistical analysis did not allow for the definition of the best topical agent. The latex had the highest angiogenesis, but a possible foreign body granuloma. Aloe vera has revealed a healing process adequated temporally in histology.

A Aloe vera, popularmente conhecida como babosa, é uma das plantas mais utilizadas no tratamento de feridas, visto que inúmeras pesquisas relatam suas propriedades cicatrizantes e anti-inflamatórias. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência da Aloe vera na atividade cicatricial de feridas induzidas em dorso de ratos. Foram utilizados 15 ratos saudáveis da espécie Rattus norvegicus albinus. Por intermédio da criação de uma lesão no dorso de cada rato utilizando um molde do tamanho retangular 2,0 x 3,0 cm, foi aplicado o gel de Aloe vera, solução teste, além dos controles positivo e negativo. Os resultados na avaliação macroscópica demonstraram que 100% dos ratos tratados com o gel de Aloe vera apresentaram um fechamento completo das lesões no 21º dia do experimento. O grupo controle positivo obteve 40% das amostras com fechamento completo. A análise estatística demonstrou, no entanto, que não houve diferença significativa entre o grupo teste e o grupo controle positivo (p>0,05), porém houve diferenças (p<0,05) entre o grupo teste e o controle negativo. Por meio dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que o gel de Aloe vera apresenta potencial aplicabilidade farmacêutica para o tratamento de feridas, podendo apresentar componentes isolados pró-angiogênicos. DESCRITORES:Babosa. Cicatrização. Fitoterapia. Estomaterapia. ABSTRACTThe Aloe vera, popularly known as aloe, is one of the plants most commonly used in the treatment of wounds, since numerous studies reporting their anti-inflammatory and cicatrizing properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of Aloe vera in the healing activity of wounds induced in rats. Fifteen healthy rats Rattus norvegicus albinus were used. By creating a lesion on the back of each rat using a rectangular size of 2.0 x 3.0 cm mold, Aloe vera gel has been applied, the test solution, in addition to positive and negative controls. The results in macroscopic evaluation showed that 100% of the mice treated with Aloe vera gel showed a complete closing of the injury on day 21 of the experiment. The positive control group had 40% of the samples with complete closure. Statistical analysis showed, however, that there was no significant difference between the test group and the control group (p>0.05), however there were differences (p<0.05) between the test group and the negative control. From the results obtained, it was concluded that the Aloe vera gel has potential pharmaceutical applicability for the treatment of wounds, and may have a single component pro-angiogenic.