Assessment of the Neuroprotective Effects of Lavandula angustifolia Extract on the Contusive Model of Spinal Cord Injury in Wistar Rats

Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2016 · DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00025 · Published: February 8, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to long-term spinal deficits due to primary trauma and secondary cellular processes. This study explores whether Lavandula angustifolia (Lav), commonly known as lavender, can aid in the repair of spinal cord injuries in rats. The experiment involved dividing rats into groups, inducing SCI, and treating some groups with different doses of Lav. Behavioral outcomes, lesion examination, and neural conduction recovery were assessed. The study found that Lav at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses promoted structural and functional recovery after SCI, suggesting its neuroprotective effects can improve the contusive model of SCI in rats.

Study Duration

56 days

Participants

45 female Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Lav 200 and Lav 400 groups showed significantly increased BBB scores (improved locomotor function) compared to the control group.
2
Sensory tests revealed significantly decreased delayed responses in the Lav groups compared to the control group, indicating improved sensory function.
3
EMG results showed significant improvement in the hindlimbs of the Lav 200 and Lav 400 groups compared to the control group, along with decreased cavity areas and increased ventral motor neurons.

Research Summary

This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Lavandula angustifolia (Lav) extract on spinal cord injury (SCI) in Wistar rats. Rats were divided into groups and treated with different doses of Lav after SCI induction. The results showed that Lav treatment, particularly at 200 and 400 mg/kg, significantly improved locomotor function, sensory recovery, and electrophysiological activity in the treated rats compared to the control group. Histological analysis revealed reduced cavity size, increased number of ventral horn motor neurons, and attenuated GFAP expression (indicating reduced astrogliosis) in the Lav-treated groups, suggesting structural and functional recovery after SCI.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Agent

L. angustifolia extract may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for treating spinal cord injuries, offering neuroprotection and promoting functional recovery.

Further Research Needed

Further studies are required to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action of L. angustifolia in SCI models and to validate its efficacy in human clinical trials.

Alternative Treatment Strategy

The use of herbal medicine, specifically L. angustifolia, presents a potential alternative or complementary treatment strategy for SCI, especially given its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on female Wistar rats, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations.
2
The study focused on a contusive model of SCI, and the effects of L. angustifolia may vary in other types of SCI.
3
Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and administration route of L. angustifolia extract for SCI treatment.

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