RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Wound healing represents a dynamic physiological process influenced by many factors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Teucrium polium honey on the wound healing and tensile strength in rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal (n= 9) treatment and control groups. Two full-thickness wounds were made over the dorsal thoracic region according to the incision and excision models. Animals were treated with topical Teucrium polium honey twice a day post surgery until complete healing was achieved. Histopathology and tensiometry were then studied. RESULTS: The wound healing process occurred faster in the incision model than excision ones (P< 0.05). Teucrium polium honey promoted wound contraction, closure time and tensile strength (P< 0.05). Histopathological study also showed relative epithelial proliferation, improved angiogenesis granulation, and fibrous connective tissue in Teucrium polium honey treated animals. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that Teucrium polium honey can accelerate wound healing as well as tensile strength in rat skin wounds.