Injury
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Necrosis in ischemic cutaneous flaps (ISF) is a type of surgical failure more feared among surgical complications. Currently, synthetic drugs are applied during the treatment of necrosis in ISF and although several substances show improvement in viability, some require application at high systemic doses, which can produce important side effects. Therefore, the search for natural substances with fewer side effects is constant. The use of medicinal plants that stimulate angiogenesis is commonly mentioned in previous studies and in this case Rhizophora mangle L. (R. mangle) highlights that among its main compounds have tannins and flavonoids that are very chemically reactive in various biological activities. This study aimed to associate a natural hydrogel to the 5% extract of R. mangle and to evaluate its potential in the prevention of tissue necrosis in distal portions of ISF in rats, using the model proposed by Macfarlane, et al. (1965). ⋯ The mean percentage of necrotic areas was: group (A) - 50,66%, group (B) - 40,49%, group (C) - 37,44% and group (D) - 34,25%. The statistical analysis, using the Kruskal-Wallis test, showed a significant difference (p < 0.001).