Evaluation of Withania somnifera in Paclitaxel Induced Neuropathy in Wistar Rats

Paclitaxel, an anticancer drug, can induce neuropathy and is used in animal models to evaluate new therapeutic approaches. It increases oxidative stress, a key factor in peripheral neuropathy. Medicinal and herbal drugs with antioxidant potential are proven as neuroprotective. W. somnifera have proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity. This study aims to assess its efficacy in paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.

To carry out phytochemical investigation andto evaluate effect of W. somnifera on behavioral changes like heat hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, mechanical allodynia, locomotor activity, electrophysiological, biochemical, histopathological changes in Paclitaxel Induced Neuropathy in Wistar Rats.

Wistar rats (n=6 per group) were divided into nine groups. Neuropathy was induced with Paclitaxel (2mg/kg, i.p), administered on days 0, 2, 4 and 6. Treatment with W. somnifera (100, 200, 400mg/kg/p.o.) and Gabapentin (300mg/kg/p.o.) started after last paclitaxel injection for next 4 weeks. Behavioral studies, thermal hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, mechanical allodynia and locomotor activity were conducted weekly using hot plate, cold plate, Von Frey filaments and actophotometer respectively. Motor nerve conduction velocity was performed by 8 channel power lab, biochemical studies and histopathological studies were performed using sciatic nerve homogenate at the end of the study.

Various doses of W. somnifera significantly reversed the behavioural, electrophysiological, biochemical and histopathological changes induced by paclitaxel in dose dose-dependent manner.

The results indicate that W. somnifera exhibit antioxidant, analgesic and neuroprotective effects. This study indicated W. somnifera is beneficial to protect paclitaxel induced neuropathy and could be used as new therapeutic approach along with current medicines in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.