Prostaglandin E2 and oxidative defense system contributed to anti-nociception action of aqueous Adansonia digitata bark extract in induced neuropathic pain in Wistar rats

Abstract

Diverse etiology of neuropathic pain conditions demands new understanding of its pathogenesis and development of effective therapy. Treatment of induced neuropathic pain using aqueous Adansonia digitata bark extract has not been investigated. We probed the systemic administration effects of A. digitata bark extract on sciatic nerve ligated induced neuropathic pain. Treatments with extract caused increased pain threshold on hot plate, hot- and cold-immersion test. Notably, an apparent decreased in systemic prostaglandin E2 occurred concurrently with strengthened oxidative defense system. By contrast, extract-hexamethonium, -propranolol, -atropine or -prazosin cotreatments in induced-neuropathic rats suggested no involvement of muscarinic, nicotinic, beta or alpha-1 receptors in the analgesic action of the extract. Though, a weaken oxidative defense system was observed based on oxidative markers measured. These results indicate the crude extract ability to induce pain relief in neuropathic pain and this coincides with degree of decreased PGE2 and increased antioxidants as well as decreased lipid peroxidation product. This is the first report demonstrating the usefulness of aqueous A. digitata bark extract in the management of neuropathic pain, an action that involves alteration of PGE2 and oxidative defense system.