Phytochemical and Pharmacological Evaluation of Ethanolic Extract of Moringa Oleifera as Neuroprotective Agent in Vincristine Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract

The objective of this study was to phytochemically analyze the ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Moringa oleifera and thereafter to evaluate its neuroprotective activity in vincristine induced peripheral neuropathy.The fresh leaves of Moringa oleifera were collected, powdered and extracted with ethanol. Thereafter the dried ethanolic extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis using various analytical techniques primarily GC-MS to identify the bioactive phytochemical components. Acute toxicity studies were also carried out on the extract. After overnight fasting peripheral neuropathy was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of vincristine 100μg/kg/day body weight dissolved in saline (0.1ml/kg/day). Group A served as normal control while group B was considered as neuropathy control. Group C was standard receiving methylcobalamin (50μg/kg i. p) and Group D & E neuropathy animals were treated with the extract, dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg/b. w p.o. respectively. During the investigations, studies were carried out by in-vivo models such as tail flick, acetone spray method, pain sensation test, nerve conduction test as well as proinflammatory and antioxidant studies. At the end of study, animals in all groups were sacrificed, the sciatic nerve was dissected and histopathology was performed. The interpretation of the results was done after subjecting the data obtained from various studies to statistical analysis which included descriptive statistics, ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. Ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves were phytochemically analyzed and showed presence of bioactive chemicals. The ethanolic extracts produced significant neuroprotective activity it was effective in anti-nociceptive activity, and caused changes in in-vivo anti-oxidants enzyme and nerve conduction. Further significant improvements were noted in pro-inflammatory markers. Histopathology studies indicated amelioration of histological features. In conclusion, the ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves showed potential neuroprotective activity against vincristine induced peripheral neuropathy.