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Neurotherapeutic Potential of Convolvulus pluricaulis Extract in Chemotherapy-induced Neuropathy: Phytochemical
Zeeshan Ali1,2, Phool Chandra1, Nishat Fatma1,3
1Department of Pharmacology, Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Pharmacy, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, 244001, India.
Introduction:
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), which is caused by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, axonal degeneration, and cytoskeletal instability, is a significant dose-limiting hazard of anticancer treatment. Although Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy (CP), an ancient Ayurvedic nootropic plant, possesses neuroprotective and antioxidant phytoconstituents, its potential therapeutic application in CIPN remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the neurotherapeutic potential of Convolvulus pluricaulis extract in vincristine-induced neuropathy with emphasis on phytochemical profiling, behavioral outcomes, oxidative stress biomarkers, and neuronal integrity.
Methods:
Thin-layer Chromatography (TLC) and in-vitro antioxidant tests (DPPH and H2O2 scavenging) were performed on the CP methanolic extract after it was phytochemically characterized. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five experimental groups for the evaluation of neuropathy and treatment effects. Male Wistar rats were used to produce vincristine- induced neuropathy (0.1 mg/kg, i.p). For 28 days, the animals were given CP methanolic extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.). Thermal hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, motor coordination, and behavioral parameters were evaluated. SOD, NO, and histological changes were examined in sciatic nerve samples.
Results:
Alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, and amino acids were found using phytochemical screening. TLC identified four different phytochemical stains. In all DPPH and H2O2 tests, the extract showed potent, dose-dependent antioxidant activity similar to that of ascorbic acid. Significant oxidative stress, motor impairment, cold allodynia, and hyperalgesia were brought on by vincristine. In addition to significantly restoring SOD and lowering NO levels (p < 0.001), CP extract significantly enhanced reaction latency, motor coordination, and cold sensitivity. Histopathology demonstrated improved neuronal architecture and reduction of axonal degeneration, particularly at 200 mg/kg.
Discussion:
According to the current study, Convolvulus pluricaulis extract, which has long been used as a nervine tonic, provides notable neuroprotection in vincristine-induced neuropathy. Thermal sensitivity, motor function, and cold allodynia were significantly improved, suggesting that CIPN-related behavioral impairments have been successfully reduced. Restoring SOD levels and lowering NO levels, along with the extract's potent antioxidant activity, suggest that oxidative stress mitigation is an important factor. The importance of histological healing in maintaining axonal integrity is further supported.
Conclusion:
Convolvulus pluricaulis extract exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-hyperalgesic, and neuroprotective activity against the vincristine model. Its effects appear to be mediated by free radical scavenging, restoration of endogenous antioxidants, and preservation of neuronal structural integrity. CP may serve as a promising phytotherapeutic candidate for managing chemotherapy- induced neuropathy.
