# Hesperidin efficacy of epidural fibrosis in a post laminectomy rat model: an experimental study

## TL;DR

This study shows hesperidin, a citrus compound, can reduce epidural fibrosis in rats, potentially preventing failed back surgery syndrome.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates hesperidin's antifibrotic effect in a rat model of epidural fibrosis for the first time.

## Key findings

- Hesperidin at 100 mg/kg significantly reduced fibrosis grades compared to control and gelatin sponge groups.
- Higher hesperidin doses correlated with lower hydroxyproline levels, indicating reduced collagen deposition.
- Hesperidin also reduced arachnoid invasion in a dose-dependent manner.

## Abstract

Epidural fibrosis (EF) plays a significant role in the development of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). This study evaluates the antifibrotic effect of hesperidin, a citrus-derived bioflavonoid, within a rat laminectomy model.

Thirty-two female Wistar albino rats were randomized into four groups (n = 8 each). Group 1 received laminectomy alone (control); Group 2 received a gelatin sponge; Groups 3 and 4 intraperitoneally received 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of hesperidin, respectively, for 7 days post-laminectomy. After 6 weeks, epidural tissues were assessed histopathologically, and hydroxyproline levels were measured.

Group 4 showed significantly lower EF grades compared with Groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.001), and reduced arachnoid invasion compared with Group 1 (p < 0.05). Group 4 had the lowest hydroxyproline levels (1.19 ± 0.05 μg/mL), followed by Group 3 (1.48 ± 0.16 μg/mL), Group 2 (1.67 ± 0.24 μg/mL), and Group 1 (1.94 ± 0.30 μg/mL) (all p < 0.001).

Hesperidin significantly reduced EF and collagen deposition in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrating its potential as a preventive agent for FBSS.