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Eucalyptol (1,8-Cineole) Enhances Wound Healing in Nasal Septal Perforations: An Experimental Rat Model Study
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Trakya University Edirne Turkey.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), a natural monoterpene oxide with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, on the healing of nasal septal perforations (NSPs) using an experimental rat model. The study evaluated macroscopic closure rates, histological changes, and inflammation-related outcomes.
Methods:
A total of 22 Sprague Dawley rats were used to create a standardized NSP model. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (n = 11) receiving 0.2 mL saline and a treatment group (n = 11) receiving 0.2 mL of topical eucalyptol daily for 14 days. One rat in the treatment group died due to anesthesia-related complications, resulting in 10 animals in that group. After the treatment period, all rats were sacrificed, and macroscopic and histological assessments were performed. Histopathological parameters included epithelial regeneration and degeneration, fibroblast density, collagen deposition, vascularization, acute and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration, granulation tissue formation, and cartilage degeneration.
Results:
Macroscopic closure occurred in 100% of the eucalyptol group vs. 45.5% of controls (p = 0.003). Histologically, eucalyptol increased epithelial regeneration, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen deposition, and reduced epithelial degeneration (p < 0.05); capillary density and eosinophils did not differ significantly. No significant differences were found in acute (p = 0.202) or chronic (p = 0.143) inflammatory cell infiltration. Granulation tissue formation was significantly higher in the eucalyptol group (p = 0.006). Cartilage degeneration scores were also significantly higher in the eucalyptol group compared to controls (p = 0.005).
Conclusion:
Eucalyptol significantly improved both macroscopic and histological healing outcomes in NSPs. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-regenerative effects suggest that eucalyptol may serve as a promising and non-invasive therapeutic agent in the management of nasal septal perforations.
Level Of Evidence:
Level 3.
