Escin alleviates peripheral neuropathy in streptozotocin induced diabetes in rats

Inflammatory cascade and oxidative stress play a central role in diabetic peripheral neuropathy via activation of inflammatory cytokines. Escin has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of escin on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in rats. Diabetes was induced in rats with streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). The animals with blood glucose above 250 mg/dl were randomized in different groups. Animals were treated with escin at a dose of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg after six weeks of diabetes induction for the next four weeks. After completion of treatment, various parameters like glucose, thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia and nerve conduction velocities were evaluated. Oxidative stress parameters like malondialdehyde, catalase, reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase were performed in sciatic nerves. Histopathology study of sciatic nerves was also studied. Escin treatment significantly reduced plasma glucose, thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia as compared to diabetic animals. The motor nerve conduction velocity and sensory nerve conduction velocities were significantly improved in diabetic animals treated with escin. Escin significantly normalized oxidative stress parameters. Escin treatment also prevented progression of neuronal damage by reducing demyelination, leukocytic infiltration in sciatic nerves as compared to diabetic animals. From the results of study it can be concluded that escin can be a useful option for management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.