Protective Effect of Enicostemma littorale Blume on Rat Model of Diabetic Neuropathy

Problem statement: Poor glycemic control and oxidative stress is implicated as a common pathway in the development of diabetic neuropathy. Approach: In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of Enicostemma littorale Blume (EL) (2.5 g kg^-1), a hypoglycemic and antioxidant herbal medicine in alloxan-induced diabetic neuropathy in male Charles foster rats. Results: Tail flick latency in hot immersion test and the formalin test were used to evaluate nociceptive responses in diabetic rats compared to non-diabetic rats. Preventive treatment of EL (for 45 days) and standard drug glibenclamide (Glib) significantly improved nociception in diabetic rats. The changes in lipid peroxidation status and anti-oxidant enzymes (super-oxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) levels observed in diabetic rats, were significantly restored by EL and glib treatment. Decrease in Na-K⁺ ATPase activity was also significantly restored by EL. Glibenclamide was used as standard drug in present study. Conclusion: This study provided experimental evidence to preventive effect of EL on nerve function and oxidative stress in animal model of diabetic neuropathy. Hence EL may be tried clinically for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy since it was used as folk medicine in diabetic patients.