Experimental evaluation of the healing potential of Sesuvium portulacastrum in excisional wounds in wistar rats

Background: ("Pirrixiu") is a halophytic plant adapted to saline environments with potential wound-healing properties. Objective: gel compared with the topical antibiotic Nebacetin in Wistar rats with standardized excisional wounds. Methods: Experimental, completely randomized study in Wistar rats. Wound area reduction was measured daily. The association between time and wound closure was assessed by linear regression. Histological evaluation (hematoxylin and eosin; Masson's trichrome) examined inflammation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis/vascularization, and re-epithelialization. Results: -treated groups achieved mean wound area reductions of up to 75% during the experimental period and demonstrated significantly greater collagen deposition and re-epithelialization, comparable to the Nebacetin-treated group (p < 0.05). Angiogenesis/vascularization did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). Inflammation was significantly reduced compared with the positive control (p < 0.05). No adverse events or signs of infection or stress were observed. Conclusion: A 10% S. portulacastrum gel promoted wound healing with enhanced collagen deposition and re-epithelialization, showing effects comparable to Nebacetin. The findings support S. portulacastrum as a promising, low-cost, and potentially sustainable therapeutic alternative and reinforce the value of Caatinga biodiversity.