The Beneficial Effect of Asiaticoside on Experimental Neuropathy in Diabetic Rats

Though diabetic neuropathy produces high impact on quality of life, annual cost and morbidities, the therapeutic efficacy is still not in a satisfaction level. Based on the crucial role of oxidative stress on the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy and the improvement of this condition induced by antioxidant, we hypothesized that asiaticoside, a substance possessing antioxidant activity, could provide beneficial effect. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of asiaticoside on the recovery of sciatic nerve in experimental neuropathy in diabetic rats. Young adult male Wistar rats at 8 weeks old, weighing approximate 180-220 g, were orally given asiaticoside at doses of 0.1 and 1 mg kg^-1 BW at a period of 5 days before and 3 weeks after sciatic nerve crush injury. Motor and sensory functions were observed every 3 day until the end of the experiment by using Deminacelli method, walking pattern, muscle power and foot reflex withdrawal test, respectively. Our results showed that both doses of asiaticoside could significantly reverse the enhanced withdrawal threshold intensity elicited by electrical stimuli. However, the rats received asiaticoside at dose of 1 mg kg^-1 BW provided optimum benefit. However, no other significant effects were observed. Asiaticoside administration in an experimental model of neuropathy in diabetic rats mitigates some functional impairment of sciatic nerve. Though our data show only the beneficial effect of asiaticoside on the foot withdrawal reflex, it is very much important because it involve the protective mechanism against painful stimuli. Therefore, it is worth for further investigation in order to confirm the improvement of sensori-motor functions and determined the both therapeutic window and possible underlying mechanism."