Neuroprotective Potential of Hygrophila auriculata Targeting Oxidative Stress-Mediated Deficits in Streptozotocin-Induced Sciatic Nerve Injury

Abstract

Abstract Objective Diabetic neuropathy, a microvascular complication of diabetes, affects 50% of individuals. Addressing this challenge is challenging due to its poorly understood origin and existing therapeutic approaches. This study used a methanolic extract from Hygrophila auriculata (MEHA) to treat oxidative stress-induced sciatic nerve injury in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods A study was conducted to assess the nociceptive reflex after a single streptozotocin (STZ) (45 mg/kg intraperitoneal.) injection. The rats were divided into six groups (n = 6 rats per group). Group I nondiabetic (ND) rats received oral gavage of 1% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The diabetic rats in groups II to VI were given 1% CMC, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of MEHA, and 180 mg/kg of metformin (MET). The freshly prepared 1% (w/v) CMC suspension of both MEHA and MET was administered over a 4-week period, commencing from the 28th day through the 56th day post-STZ injection. The impact of STZ-induced sciatic nerve injury was analyzed through the estimation of serum glucose and glycohemoglobin levels, paw withdrawal and tail-flick latencies, oxidative stress markers, and neural histoarchitecture. Results Diabetic (STZ) control group II showed significantly altered serum glucose and glycohemoglobin levels, a reduced paw withdrawal threshold, and reduced paw withdrawal and tail-flick latencies in contrast to ND group I. Furthermore, increased oxidative stress in the sciatic nerve correlates with a reduced nociceptive threshold and disrupted neural histoarchitecture in diabetic rats. These behavioral, biochemical, and molecular changes were markedly and dose-dependently reduced by MEHA and MET treatments. Conclusion The antioxidant efficacy of MEHA modulated oxidative stress in STZ-sensitized diabetic rats and corrected neuropathic pain by attenuating hyperglycemia.