Changes in the volume and histology of endometriosis foci in rats treated with copaiba oil (Copaiferalangsdorffii).
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to analyze the changes that occur in rats with experimental endometriosis after treatment with copaiba oil.


METHODS
Experimental endometriosis was induced in rats. The experimental group received copaiba oil (Copaiferalangsdorffii) orally (0.63 mg/day), and the control group received a 0.9% sodium chloride solution orally (1 ml/100 g of body weight/day). Both groups were treated with gavage for 14 days. After this period, the animals were euthanized, and the implant volume was calculated. The autologous transplants were removed, dyed with hematoxylin-eosin, and analyzed by light microscopy.


RESULTS
The average final volumes were significantly different between the groups (p=0.007). There was a significant increase (p=0.012) between the initial and final volumes in the control group, whereas treatment with Copaiferalangsdorffii caused a marked reduction in endometrial growth over time (p=0.016). Histologically, 6/11 (55.00%) rats in the experimental group had a well-preserved epithelial layer, and 3 (45.00%) had mildly preserved epithelium. The control group had seven cases (58.30%) of well-preserved epithelial cells and five cases (41.70%) of mildly preserved epithelial cells (p>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Copaiba oil (Copaiferalangsdorffii) appears to be a promising alternative treatment for endometriosis.
Unit of Endometriosis and Surgical Laboratory, HU-UFMA, Maranhao,Brazil. j.nogueira.n@uol.com.br
João
J
Nogueira Neto
Márcio Jorge de Souza
MJ
Lindoso
Laura Fernandes
LF
Coelho
Rafael Antonio Freire
RA
Carvalho
Taciana Gabrielle Pinheiro de Moura
TG
Rodrigues
Ana Gisélia Portela de
AG
Araújo
Manuel João Batista Castelo
MJ
Girão
Eduardo
E
Schor
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D010784:Photomicrography; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D010938:Plant Oils; D028321:Plant Preparations; C569239:copaiba oleoresin