Lavandula angustifolia Extract Improves the Result of Human Umbilical Mesenchymal Wharton’s Jelly Stem Cell Transplantation after Contusive Spinal Cord Injury in Wistar Rats

Stem Cells International, 2016 · DOI: 10.1155/2016/5328689 · Published: January 10, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) extract can improve the effectiveness of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cell (HUMSC) transplantation in rats with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The researchers aimed to see if lavender could enhance the benefits of stem cell therapy for SCI. The study involved transplanting HUMSCs into rats with SCI, with some groups also receiving lavender extract. The rats' motor and sensory functions were then monitored, and their spinal cord tissue was examined to assess the extent of recovery and any changes at the cellular level. The results showed that HUMSC transplantation improved motor function, and the addition of lavender extract further enhanced this improvement. The extract also improved sensory function and reduced astrogliosis. These findings suggest that lavender extract can boost the therapeutic effects of HUMSCs in treating SCI.

Study Duration

56 Days

Participants

60 adult female Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
HUMSC transplantation alone improved locomotor function compared to the SCI control group.
2
The combination of HUMSC transplantation and Lavandula angustifolia extract (particularly at a dose of 400 mg/kg) significantly enhanced locomotor activity compared to HUMSC transplantation alone.
3
Sensory tests, histomorphological analyses, and immunohistochemistry verified that L. angustifolia extract potentiated the effects of HUMSC treatment on SCI recovery.

Research Summary

The study aimed to assess the effect of L. angustifolia extract on the outcome of transplantation of HUMSCs from Wharton’s jelly after contusive SCI in Wistar rats. Behavioral tests showed that HUMSC transplantation improved locomotion activity compared to the SCI group, and this improvement was further enhanced when combined with L. angustifolia extract, especially at 400 mg/kg. The findings suggest that L. angustifolia extract can potentiate the therapeutic effects of Wharton’s jelly HUMSCs for treating patients with SCI, enhancing motor, sensory, and cellular improvements.

Practical Implications

Enhanced SCI Therapy

Combining HUMSC transplantation with Lavandula angustifolia extract may improve recovery outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Natural Therapeutic Agent

Lavandula angustifolia extract offers a potential adjunctive therapy due to its neuroprotective properties that can enhance stem cell treatment.

Clinical Translation

Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal dosage and administration of L. angustifolia extract in human clinical trials for SCI treatment.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on Wistar rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The specific mechanisms by which L. angustifolia extract potentiates HUMSC transplantation require further investigation.
3
The study only examined one type of SCI (contusive) and may not be generalizable to other types of SCI.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury