Investigation of the Protective Effect of Thymbra Spicata L. var Spicata and Cyclotrichium Origanifolium on Bladder in Experimental Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

OpenAlex İngilizce

ABSTRACT Objective: Spinal cord injuries typically result from trauma-induced fractures, dislocations, ligament injuries, and tears in the vertebral column. Among the most commonly affected organs in these injuries is the bladder. Thymbra spicata L. var spicata (zahter) and Cyclotrichium origanifolium (mountain mint) are known for their high biological potential; their extracts possess antioxidant properties that help mitigate the risk of diseases caused by oxidative stress and play a significant role in treatment. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic and protective effects of zahter and mountain mint extracts on bladder dysfunctions following spinal cord injury. Material and Methods: The study included 36 male Wistar Albino rats weighing between 250-300 g, divided into six groups, each containing six rats: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (zahter), Group 3 (mountain mint), Group 4 (trauma), Group 5 (trauma + zahter), and Group 6 (trauma + mountain mint). A trauma model was created in the trauma groups using a weight-drop method on the spinal cord. At the end of the week, urine samples were collected from all rats, and the animals were sacrificed under ketamine anesthesia to obtain bladder tissues. Histopathological changes in the bladder tissues were subsequently examined. Results: The experimental study demonstrated that zahter and mountain mint extracts were partially effective against bladder damage caused by spinal cord injury. Zahter exhibited a higher efficacy in reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory markers compared to mountain mint, as evidenced by biochemical and histopathological findings. Conclusion: The findings suggest that with the increasing application of experimental models, the therapeutic use of plant extracts may become more widespread and contribute positively to human health.