Basic neuroscience O-BN001. Calotropis procera (ROOT) ameliorates functions regain and attenuates oxidative stress in a mouse model of sciatic nerve compression injury

Abstract

Introduction . Peripheral nerve injury is the crucial and complicated health issue affecting the life quality and capability. This situation not only compromises the physical functions but also leads to the demise of the affected individual largely due to a lack of effective interventions. Novel therapeutic strategies must be explored and evaluated to overcome the situation of partial or complete loss of function. Here, we have inspected the role of Calotropis procera, a famous medicinal plant, in accelerating the functional retrieval following the mechanically induced sciatic nerve injury. Methods . The study was performed in BALB/c mice (n = 16, weight = 30–32 g, age = 8–10 weeks) that were divided into two groups: Normal diet (n = 8) and C. procera diet group (n = 8). A compression injury was induced to the sciatic nerve at mid-thigh region and C. procera was orally offered mixed in the diet at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day. Both motor and sensory functions were assessed by muscle grip strength, Sciatic Functional Index (SFI), and hot-plate tests. Biochemical analyses, haematology, and glucose tolerance were performed to observe the effects of C. procera on the systemic indexes. Results . We found a speedy recovery sensory and motor functions (p < 0.05). It restored muscle mass, diminished total oxidant status (TOS), and enhanced total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The activity of the enzymes i.e., arylesterase and paraoxonase also increased in the treated group. Similarly, platelet and granulocyte counts were augmented. In addition, the treated group showed an improved capacity for glucose tolerance. Conclusion . These results demonstrate that C. procera effectively accelerates the functional retrieval following an injury to the peripheral nerve. Our findings provide very important information that can help the pharmaceutical and food industries to figure out plant-based interventions against traumatic peripheral nerve injuries to develop cost-effective therapeutic products.