BACKGROUND

Previous studies have suggested that guarana () and açai () have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and proliferative properties, indicating their potential therapeutic action in wound healing. We produced a conjugated guarana-açai (GA) extract and tested its healing action on earthworms () subjected to tail amputation by surgical incision.

METHODS

Extract from roasted guarana seeds and fresh açai seed berries was produced. The antioxidant and genoprotective capacity of GA extract was tested. The concentration with the most remarkable healing potential was used in subsequent tests. The last three posterior segments of the clitellate earthworm tail reared under standardized conditions were surgically amputated. Next, topical PBS or GA extract was applied to the surgical wound. The rate of cell migration and tissue regeneration at the local wound site was histologically evaluated after the procedure. Expression of the SOX4 gene that acts in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition was determined by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

Sixteen bioactive molecules, including some previously described substances, were identified. All tested concentrations exhibited antioxidant and genoprotective effects. The GA extract accelerated the healing processes as observed through macroscopic and histological analyses and increased expression of SOX4.

CONCLUSION

The GA extract has a potential role in the healing of surgically induced wounds.