THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF MYRTUS COMMUNIS IN SCIATIC NERVE INJURY: AN EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH IN RATS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Nerve injuries, often resulting from various causes, pose serious health issues that typically require prolonged rehabilitation. Conventional methods used in the treatment of these injuries are often inadequate, necessitating the exploration of new treatment approaches. Research on the effects of plant-derived active compounds on nerve regeneration may offer potential new treatment options. In this context, this study investigating the effects of Myrtus communis on nerve regeneration aims to fill an important gap in the field of nerve injury treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, the efficacy of Myrtus communis was evaluated in an experimental sciatic nerve injury model. Thirty-two female Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: Control, Sham, Group I, and Group II. Sciatic nerve injury was induced, and Myrtus communis treatment was administered via gastric lavage. The animals' motor functions, sensory functions, electrophysiological measurements, biochemical parameters, and histopathological evaluations were examined. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that Myrtus communis contributed to rapid improvement in sciatic functional index (SFI) values. Similarly, positive effects were observed in sensory assessment and electrophysiological measurements. Biochemical analyses indicated that Myrtus communis increased antioxidant capacity and reduced oxidative stress. Histopathological examinations revealed less axon degeneration, edema, and vacuolization in the groups treated with Myrtus communis. CONCLUSIONS: This study concludes that Myrtus communis could be used as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of sciatic nerve injury. These findings suggest that Myrtus communis may play a supportive role in post-nerve injury recovery. However, it should be noted that further research is needed before these results can be translated into clinical applications.