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

Background Sesuvium portulacastrum (“Pirrixiu”) is a halophytic plant adapted to saline environments with potential wound-healing properties. Objective To evaluate the wound-healing efficacy of a 10% macerated S. portulacastrum 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 Time was strongly associated with wound closure (correlation coefficient > 0.80; p < 0.05). S. portulacastrum –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.