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Updated: Oct 1, 2025
Author Spotlight: Investigating Wound Healing in Mice Models of Oronasal Fistulas
Published on: September 8, 2023
Topical Administration of Carvacrol Improves Healing in Nasal Septal Perforation: An Experimental Animal Study
Senem Çengel Kurnaz1, Nilüfer Kuruca2, Dilek Güvenç3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Ondokuz Mayis University Faculty of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey.
Background:
Clinicians are exploring alternative treatments for nasal septum perforation since surgical treatment is challenging.
Objective:
The effects of topical carvacrol on the healing of nasal septal perforation were investigated in an animal model.
Method:
Twenty-one male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three equal groups. A 5-mm circular biopsy punch was used to perforate the nasal septum behind the columella. For 14 days, bilateral gelatin sponges impregnated with carvacrol in olive oil in group 1, and only olive oil in group 2 were placed. Perforation only was performed in the control group. Animals were then sacrificed, and their nasal septums were removed. The closure of the perforation was measured, and samples were examined histopathologically. MMP-9 reactivity was evaluated using the immunoperoxidase technique. Histopathologic parameters were scored as 0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = strong.
Results:
The septum perforation closure in the carvacrol group was statistically significant compared with the other groups (p < 0.001). Cartilage regeneration, connective tissue density, and MMP-9 immunoreactivity were significantly higher in the carvacrol group (p = 0.020, p = 0.009, and p = 0.008, respectively).
Conclusion:
Topically administered carvacrol enhances wound healing in rabbit nasal septum perforation. It accelerated perforation closure by increasing cartilage regeneration, connective tissue, and MMP-9 expression.
Insights
Topical carvacrol significantly improved nasal septum perforation healing in rabbits. This natural compound accelerated closure by promoting cartilage regeneration, connective tissue, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Wound Healing Research
- Natural Product Therapeutics
Background:
- Nasal septum perforation presents a clinical challenge, with limited effective non-surgical treatments.
- Clinicians are actively seeking alternative therapeutic strategies for managing this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of topical carvacrol in promoting the healing of nasal septum perforations.
- To evaluate carvacrol's effects on wound closure and tissue regeneration in an animal model.
Main Methods:
- A rabbit model of nasal septum perforation was established using a biopsy punch.
- Groups received either carvacrol in olive oil, olive oil alone, or no treatment for 14 days.
- Histopathological analysis and MMP-9 expression assessment were performed on excised nasal septums.
Main Results:
- Carvacrol treatment resulted in statistically significant perforation closure compared to control groups (p < 0.001).
- Enhanced cartilage regeneration, connective tissue density, and MMP-9 immunoreactivity were observed in the carvacrol group.
- Specific significant increases were noted for cartilage regeneration (p=0.020), connective tissue density (p=0.009), and MMP-9 expression (p=0.008).
Conclusions:
- Topical carvacrol demonstrates a significant therapeutic effect on nasal septum perforation healing.
- Carvacrol accelerates wound closure through increased cartilage regeneration, connective tissue formation, and MMP-9 expression.
- These findings suggest carvacrol as a promising agent for non-surgical management of nasal septal defects.
