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. 2025 Oct 30;10(6):e70297.
doi: 10.1002/lio2.70297. eCollection 2025 Dec.

Eucalyptol (1,8-Cineole) Enhances Wound Healing in Nasal Septal Perforations: An Experimental Rat Model Study

Ahmet Koder  1 , Lütfü Şeneldir  2
Affiliations

Eucalyptol (1,8-Cineole) Enhances Wound Healing in Nasal Septal Perforations: An Experimental Rat Model Study

Ahmet Koder et al. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: 1,8‐cineole; eucalyptol; experimental model; nasal septal perforation; wound healing.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Creation of nasal septal perforation in rats. A standardized 2‐mm anterior nasal septal perforation was created using a 14G intravenous cannula (Vasofix, Braun, Germany), inserted approximately 3 mm posterior to the columella.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Epithelial regeneration and degeneration in eucalyptol and control groups. (A) Increased epithelial regeneration (black stars) in the treatment group. (Hematoxylin and Eosin, ×200). (B) Marked epithelial degeneration (black stars) in the control group. (Hematoxylin and Eosin, ×400).
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Collagen deposition in eucalyptol and control groups. (A) Enhanced collagen density in the treatment group, highlighted by blue staining (black stars). (Masson's Trichrome, ×400). (B) Reduced collagen deposition in the control group (black stars). (Masson's Trichrome, ×400).
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Fibroblast proliferation in eucalyptol and control groups. (A) Increased fibroblast count in the treatment group (black stars). (Hematoxylin and Eosin, ×200). (B) Fewer fibroblasts observed in the control group (black stars). (Hematoxylin and Eosin, ×400).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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