Abstract

Background Curcumin has immunomodulatory anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of curcumin and biodegradable membrane on nerve healing in rat sciatic nerve transected injuries. Methods Rats were divided into groups: (1) control group (Ctrl), (2) curcumin group (Cur), (3) membrane group (Mem), and (4) membrane and curcumin group (Mem + Cur). Functional recovery was evaluated at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after surgery. At the end of the eighth week after surgery, histological assessments were done. Results At the end of 8th week after surgery, functional assessments (sciatic nerve index, withdrawal reflex latency, and electromyography) in the Mem + Cur group improved compared with other groups (P < 0.05). Histological results (number of nerve fibers, diameter of nerve fibers, and myelin thickness) improved in the Mem + Cur group compared with the control, Cur, and Mem groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion The present study showed the positive effects of Mem + Cur on nerve regeneration of transected sciatic nerve in rat model.