The Effects of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Açaí) Extract on the Survival of Random-Pattern Skin Flaps in Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Flap necrosis remains a major complication of reconstructive surgery. Euterpe oleracea Mart., popularly known as “açaí,” is cultivated in the Amazon region of Brazil. It contains hydroxybenzoic acids, antioxidant polyphenolics, flavan-3-ols, and anthocyanins. Açaí exhibits anti-inflammatory action through the inhibition of cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 1 , vasodilation, inhibition of nitric oxide production, inducible nitric oxide synthase activity and expression, and antioxidant properties 2 . Current study demonstrates that polyphenolics increase cutaneous angiogenesis 3 . This study evaluated whether açaí could improve the survival of random-pattern skin flaps in an experimental rat model.