Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF-β in a rat model

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough previous studies have suggested that lavender oil promote wound healing, no study has examined the molecular mechanisms of its effect. In this study, we investigated the effect of lavender oil on various steps of wound healing and its molecular mechanism, focusing on transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β).MethodsCircular full-thickness skin wounds were produced on rats. Control solution or lavender oil was topically applied to the wounds on alternating days for 14 days.ResultsThe area of wounds topically treated with lavender oil was significantly decreased as compared to that of wounds of control rats at 4, 6, 8, and 10 days after wounding. Topical application of lavender oil induced expression of type I and III collagen at 4 days after wounding, accompanied by an increased number of fibroblasts, which synthesize collagen. Induced expression of type III collagen by topical application of lavender oil was reduced to control level at 7 days after wounding although increased expression of type I collagen still continued even at 7 days, suggesting rapid collagen replacement from type III to type I in wounds treated with lavender oil. Importantly, expression of TGF-β in wounds treated with lavender oil was significantly increased as compared to control. Moreover, an increased number of myofibroblasts was observed in wounds treated with lavender oil at 4 days after wounding, suggesting promotion of differentiation of fibroblasts through induction of TGF-β, which is needed for wound contraction.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that topical application of lavender oil promoted collagen synthesis and differentiation of fibroblasts, accompanied by up-regulation of TGF-β. These data suggest that lavender oil has the potential to promote wound healing in the early phase by acceleration of formation of granulation tissue, tissue remodeling by collagen replacement and wound contraction through up-regulation of TGF-β. The beneficial effect of lavender oil on wound healing may raise the possibility of new approaches as complementary treatment besides conventional therapy.

Effects of Aromatherapy with Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils on the Sleep Quality of Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Among the plants whose essential oil is used in aromatherapy, one can name lavender and peppermint. Lavender oil (scientific name: Lavandula angustifolia; family: Lamiaceae) is one of the most harmless essential oils with no toxicity reported so far [12,13].…”

Antimicrobial activities of mouthwashes obtained from various combinations of Elettaria cardamomum Maton., Lavandula angustifolia Mill. and Salvia triloba L. essential oils

“…Nonetheless, this active molecule, as well as the other antibacterial molecules, present various side effects, such as pigmentation, taste alteration, etc (Marchetti et al, 2011). The essential oils are applied for cleaning (Adelakunet al, 2016), for wound disinfection (Mori et al, 2016), and to treat infections precisely due to their effectiveness in killing microbes (Valeriano et al, 2012). Since the antibiotic resistance has risen, many researchers believe that essential oils are the next generation of antibiotics (Yapet al, 2014).…”

Plants of the Genus Lavandula: From Farm to Pharmacy

“…Clarification of the mechanisms, especially the molecular mechanism, is still incomplete, and it is unclear how EOs act on various parts of the wound-healing process [136,194,195]. The possible mechanisms of lavender oil on wound healing have been explained by acceleration of granulation, tissue remodeling by collagen replacement and wound contraction through induction of transforming growth factor-β [136]. As the wound healing process consists of sequential events such as formation of granulation tissue, collagen replacement from type III to type I and wound contraction, the influence of lavender oil was tested on each part of wound healing.…”

“…The research implied that topical application of lavender oil significantly increased collagen synthesis by fibroblasts, accompanied by enhanced expression of TGF-β in wound lesions. Moreover, rapid replacement of type III collagen with type I collagen in wounds treated with lavender oil had been suggested by the finding that increased expression of type III collagen decreased to the control level by 7 days, while type I collagen had been not reduced even at seven days [136]. In addition, an increased number of myofibroblasts, possibility due to upregulation of TGF-β, was obtained in the early phase of the wound healing process in wound lesions topically treated with lavender oil, suggesting that treatment with lavender oil also accelerated wound contraction by myofibroblasts.…”