Ahmet Atilla ABDİOĞLU, İdris AVCI, Kemal PAKSOY
Journal of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - 2026;43(2):120-126
Peripheral nerve injuries remain a significant clinical challenge due to incomplete functional recovery and persistent oxidative and inflammatory damage following trauma. Lavandula angustifolia, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in experimental central nervous system models; however, its role in peripheral nerve regeneration has not been fully elucidated. The present study investigated the effects of orally administered Lavandula angustifolia extract in a standardized rat sciatic nerve traction injury model. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to sham-operated, injury + saline, and injury + Lavandula groups. A controlled traction force of 300 g was applied to the exposed sciatic nerve for 60 seconds using a calibrated weight-pulley system. The Lavandula extract was prepared via methanolic extraction with complete solvent evaporation and reconstitution in saline prior to oral administration (30 mg/kg/day). Electrophysiological evaluations were performed at weeks 1, 2, and 6, and serum oxidative stress markers were analyzed. At six weeks, the Lavandula-treated group demonstrated significantly higher compound muscle action potential amplitudes compared to the saline group, while latency values were comparable. Oxidative stress markers, including advanced oxidation protein products and lipid peroxidation indices, were significantly elevated in the saline group but attenuated in the Lavandula group. Superoxide dismutase levels were significantly increased following Lavandula treatment and positively correlated with electrophysiological recovery. Histopathological examination revealed higher axonal density and reduced fibrosis in the treatment group. These findings suggest that Lavandula angustifolia enhances functional and structural recovery following peripheral nerve traction injury, likely through antioxidant-mediated neuroprotective mechanisms. Further experimental and translational studies are warranted to clarify dose-response relationships and clinical applicability.
