Effects of Short-Term Oral Administration of Curcumin on Achilles Tendon Healing in Rats

Objective: Tendon healing, in terms of histologic and functional characteristics, is always inferior to its normal level due to the poor vascularity and low metabolic rate. Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and healing effects. This study aimed to investigate effects of curcumin on Achilles tendon experimental injury using histopathology, biomechanical and functional evaluations. Design: Experimental study. Procedures: Twenty four adult male rats were divided into control and treatment groups. After aseptic preparation, complete transverse tenotomy through the middle section of right Achilles tendon, followed by modified Kessler suture placement was performed. Normal saline and curcumin (100 mg/kg) were administered orally for seven days after surgery in control and treatment groups, respectively. Sampling was done six weeks later. Results: Lower peri-tendinous adhesion was found in the treatment group. Histopathology revealed significant increase in density and arrangement of collagen fibers, decrease in fibroblast and inflammatory cells and lower vascularity in treatment group compared to control groups which indicates earlier maturation of granulation tissue by curcumin. Significant increase in maximum load, yield load, stress and absorbed energy in the treatment group were noted by biomechanical analysis. Improved functionality was also found in the treatment group according to hind paw print analysis. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The present study indicated that short-term oral administration of curcumin resulted in improved structural, biomechanical properties and functionality of the Achilles tendon in rats.