Effects of Lavender Oil on Wound Healing in an Experimental Diabetes Model in Rats: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Lavender Oil and Diabetic Wound Healing

Abstract

Objective: Lavender oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties as well as beneficial activities on wound healing. This study aims to determine the effect of lavender oil on wound healing in an experimental diabetes model in rats.

Methods: This randomized controlled experiment included three diabetic and three non-diabetic groups of 42 male Wistar albino rats. A 12-mm-diameter, full-thickness wound was created on the backs of the rats. Lavender oil, Madecassol, and 0.9% sodium chloride [normal saline (NS)] were applied as wound dressings. During macroscopic evaluation of wound healing, wound-healing percentage was calculated using the Walker formula, and wound area was determined using the ImageJ image analysis program. For microscopic evaluation, the tissue samples were taken from the rats on days 1, 7, and 14. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining findings and the distributions of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA), collagen-I, and collagen-III were determined.

Results: In all groups, the highest wound-healing percentage and the lowest wound-area measurements were observed in those treated with lavender oil. Lavender oil increased inflammatory cell infiltration and angiogenesis, and accelerated granulation tissue formation and re-epithelialization. The VEGFA and collagen-III levels on day 7, and the collagen-I levels on day 14, were highest in those treated with lavender oil. Although rats treated with lavender oil differed significantly from those treated with NS in wound healing, there was no difference between rats treated with Madecassol and those treated with lavender oil.

Conclusions: On both macroscopic and microscopic examination, dressing with lavender oil was effective in promoting wound healing in all groups.