ARCIMS 26
in
Sunday 2025-10-19 19:55
Investigating the analgesic effects of a nanoemulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils in an animal model of neuropathic pain
Fateme Hejazi 1 ℗, Alireza Abed 2, Sayyed Alireza Talaei 2 ©
Abstract
Introduction: The analgesic effects of rosemary and peppermint essential oils have been shown in many studies. Low solubility of essential oils in water and low bioavailability limit their consumption and nanoparticles can help in solving these limitations. This study was designed to investigate the analgesic effect of nanoemulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils in a rat’s model of neuropathic pain. Methods and Materials: Male rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control (CON), neuropathic pain received normal saline (NPS), nanoemulsion (NPN), or gabapentin (NPG) for 21 days. Neuropathic pain was induced using the CCI model. Animals received a nanoemulsion containing 10% rosemary extract and peppermint essential oil via gavage. Behavioral tests (Thermal Hyperalgesia, Thermal Allodynia, and Mechanical Allodynia) were done on days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 of the study. Besides, biochemical tests were done on the serum of animals at the end of the study. Results: The NPS rats demonstrated a significant increase in pain threshold compared to the control group. Furthermore, the analgesic potential of nanoemulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils was seen in allodynia and hyperalgesia tests. Biochemical analyses showed that CCI reduces total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and also increases MDA levels in the rats’ serum. Administrating nanoemulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils reversed all the above-mentioned changes in the biochemical parameters. Conclusion and Discussion: Our findings revealed that treating rats with nanoemulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils can reduce the symptoms of neuropathic pain by balancing the oxidant and antioxidant systems of their serum.
Keywords: Neuropathic pain, Nanoemulsion, Essential oil, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Mentha piperita
