To Assess Azadirachta Indica's Neuroprotective Potential in an Animal Model of Paclitaxel-induced Neuropathy

Abstract

Introduction: Azadirachta indica (family: Maleaceae), commonly known as Neem, is the most useful traditional medicinal plant in India. Each part of plant has some medicinal properties. Neuropathic pain caused by lesions in the peripheral or central nervous system, comes in many forms. Paclitaxel is an anticancer drug used widely in treatment of lung and breast cancer. But repeated administration of Paclitaxel is responsible for development of neuropathic pain. Aim and objective: In this study, we investigated the effect of aqueous extract of leaves of Azadirachta indica (AEAI) in paclitaxel Induced neuropathic pain. Material and methods: Effect of AEAI (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) for8 days evaluated on acetic acid induced-writhing and latency for withdrawal of tail in tail immersion method. Effect of AEAI (100, 200 and 400mg/kg, p.o) was studied on Paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain after sciatic nerve ligation using cold allodynia and hot plate method. Result: Oral administration of AEAI (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) for8 days significantly reverses acetic acid induced-writhings and latency for withdrawl of tail in tail immersion method. Oral administration of AEAI for 21 days significantly reverses pain in Paclitaxel treated Wistar rats after sciatic nerve ligation in cold allodynia and hot plate method. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate usefulness of AEAI in treatment of Paclitaxel induced neuropathic pain.