Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of Ocimum sanctum and its saponin rich fraction in vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathic pain in rats. Peripheral neuropathy was induced in rats by administration of vincristine sulfate (50 μg/kg i.p.) for 10 consecutive days. The mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, paw heat hyperalgesia and cold tail hyperalgesia were assessed by performing the pinprick, acetone, hot plate and cold tail immersion tests, respectively. Biochemically, the tissue thio-barbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), super-oxide anion content (markers of oxidative stress) and total calcium levels were measured. Vincristine administration was associated with the development of mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, heat and cold hyperalgesia. Furthermore, vincristine administration was also associated with an increase in oxidative stress and calcium levels. However, administration of Ocimum sanctum (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) and its saponin rich fraction (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) for 14 days significantly attenuated vincristine-induced neuropathic pain along with decrease in oxidative stress and calcium levels. It may be concluded that Ocimum sanctum has ameliorative potential in attenuating chemotherapy induced-painful neuropathic state, which may be attributed to decrease in oxidative stress and calcium levels. Furthermore, saponin rich fraction of Ocimum sanctum may be responsible for its noted beneficial effect in neuropathic pain in rats.
Highlights
Neuropathic pain has been described as “the most terrible of all tortures which a nerve wound may inflict” [1]
The effect of saponin rich fraction in attenuating cold allodynia was significantly higher than the hydro-alcoholic extract at the same dose levels (Figure 1)
Vehicle administration did not modulate the behaviour in response to non-noxious cold stimulus in animals subjected to peripheral neuropathy
Summary
Neuropathic pain has been described as “the most terrible of all tortures which a nerve wound may inflict” [1]. Despite progress in the understanding of this syndrome, the mechanistic details underlying the disease remain elusive. Peripheral neuropathic pain is frequently observed in patients with cancer, AIDS, long standing diabetes, lumbar disc syndrome, herpes infection, traumatic spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and stroke [3]. Post-thoracotomy, post-herniorrhaphy, post-mastectomy and post-sternotomy are some other conditions often associated with peripheral neuropathy pain [4]. Chemotherapeutic drugs such as vincristine, paclitaxel, oxaliplatin, etc. Are widely used in management of cancers especially Hodgkins lymphoma, non-Hodgkins
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