Neuroprotective Effect of Mallotus philippensis Extract in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Neuropathy in Rats

The use of herbal formulation for treatment of diabetes as well as its associated complications such as diabetic neuropathy has received great attention in the field of drug discovery. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of Mallotus philippensis fruit extract in a rat model of diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes was induced by a single i.p injection of STZ 45mg/kg. Neuropathic pain markers like hyperalgesia, allodynia and spontaneous pain were assessed before and after the treatment of M.P fruit extract at a high dose of 500mg/kg. During the study period blood glucose, HbA1C, body weight, food and water intake, were determined. Liver and kidney weight, along with histopathology of sciatic nerve, antioxidant parameters and oxidative stress marker were observed after 8th week of treatment. Our results demonstrated that treatment of Mallotus philippensis fruit extract significantly increased body weight, lowered the level of blood glucose, HbA1c, food and water intake. The Mallotus philippensis fruit extract significantly relieved thermal hyperalgesia, allodynia and spontaneous pain by increasing the antioxidant parameters such as SOD, CAT and GSH and by decreasing the oxidative stress level (LPO). Histological evaluation revealed that treatment of Mallotus philippensis extract reduced the axonal degeneration and improving the regeneration of sciatic nerve fiber. Thus, our present findings highlighted the beneficial effect of Mallotus philippensis fruit extract on neuroprotection possibly through its antihyperglycemia, antiglycation and antioxidant activity.