Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Effect of Eugenol on the Improvement of Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats

Background: Sciatica is a common human disorder associated with chronic pain. To speed up the recovery of damaged sciatic nerve, using plant derivatives, such as Eugenol can be effective due to its known neuroprotective properties. This study, investigated the effects of Eugenol on the regenerative process of experimentally induced sciatic nerve injury in rats. Methods: Twenty eight male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 grams were divided into four groups of seven rats each. The control and sciatica model groups received normal saline only. The other two groups of sciatica model received Eugenol intraperitoneally at either 50 or 100 mg/kg daily for one week.  Behavioral tests were also performed, and samples of the gastrocnemius muscles were removed under anesthesia for histopathological examinations. Results: The pace of nerve injury improvement and recovery of both sensory and motor functions increased significantly in Eugenol-treated groups compared to both the sciatica model and control groups. Conclusion: Eugenol administration improved the repair and regenerative process of the induced peripheral sciatic nerve damage in rats. Therefore, this compound may be considered as a beneficial treatment option for sciatica in humans.