Wound healing is a complex and coordinated process involving interactions between cells and various messenger systems. This study conducted in vivo tests to determine the healing effect of propolis (PR)-based cream derived from the Amazon stingless bee, Scaptotrigona aff. postica, reared in açaí (Euterpe oleracea) monoculture, on induced wounds in rats. Data were obtained by monitoring injuries on 14 Wistar rats, divided into three groups (G1, G2 and G3), each receiving specific treatments: propolis-based cream (PR), collagenase (PC) and neutral cream (NC). Over the seven days of treatment, the lesions were measured using photographic records and ImageJ software to evaluate the healing effectiveness of the test cream. ImageJ software version 1.53g was used to compare the wound diameters for each treatment. After seven days, histopathological analyses of the induced lesions were performed. It was observed that collagenase (PC) and the test cream (PR) did not differ significantly in terms of wound diameter reduction. However, the propolis-based cream directly influenced the lesion maturation process and exhibited a milder inflammatory response compared to the positive control (PC). This effect is possibly associated with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds identified by GC/MS analysis in the propolis. Notably, this is the first report describing propolis of Scaptotrigona aff. postica obtained from açaí monocultures with strong healing potential, highlighting the identification of a high concentration of phenolic compounds that aid directly in wound repair.

Methylmercury (MeHg) contamination can cause damage to the salivary glands, which is associated with oxidative stress and glandular dysfunction. Açaí ( Euterpe oleracea Martius), a fruit rich in antioxidants, emerges as a natural alternative to mitigate the toxic effects of MeHg. This study aimed to evaluate whether clarified açaí juice exerts a protective effect on the major salivary glands of rats intoxicated with MeHg. Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control, MeHg-exposed (0.04 mg/kg/day), açaí-supplemented (0.01 L/kg/day), and MeHg-exposed with açaí supplementation. The compounds were administered by orogastric gavage for 60 days. Subsequently, total saliva was collected to determine antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and amylase activity, while submandibular and parotid glands were analyzed to total mercury (Hg) levels, antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation. Our results showed that açaí supplementation did not reduce Hg accumulation in the salivary glands. However, MeHg exposure significantly decreased antioxidant capacity in both glands, whereas açaí supplementation mitigated this reduction, maintaining values comparable to the control group. Lipid peroxidation was elevated in the MeHg group in both glands, but this alteration was attenuated by açaí. In saliva, MeHg exposure lowered antioxidant capacity and elevated lipid peroxidation levels, both of which were attenuated by açaí supplementation. Moreover, MeHg altered salivary protein concentration and reduced amylase activity, while açaí supplementation counteracted these effects. These results demonstrate that açaí’s antioxidant constituents confer protective effects against MeHg-induced oxidative damage and functional impairment in salivary glands and saliva, underscoring its potential as a natural protective agent against Hg toxicity.