Putative Role of Ethanolic Extract of Vernonia cinerea in the Amelioration of Chemotherapy Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice

Abstract

Cancer chemotherapy is associated with a plethora of morbidities among which neuropathic pain is another one. The pathology underpinning chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain can be multifarious, however, dearth of effective medication largely plagues the quality of life of such patients. A good rationale can be found behind narrowing down on herbal alternatives namely methanolic extracts of Vernonia cinerea for which anti-cancer potential has already been reported. Hence we have carried out a pilot study for evaluating the protective potential of the methanolic extract of the plant against paclitaxel induced neuropathic pain in mice. Our evaluation has been based on standard paradigms focusing on neuromotor, oxidative and histopathological assessments and TNF α Assessment. We have found significant improvisation in groups treated with both pregabalin and extract, the amelioration being largely graded in nature. Hence our research has opened up the doors of a newer horizon of herbal alternatives available for chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain, however further look out into the domain is avidly awaited for.

Keywords: NP: Neuropathic Pain, CC: Cancer Chemotherapy, HA: Herbal Alternatives