Neuroprotective Effect of Alcoholic Extract of Salvia chloroleuca Against Neuronal Degeneration of Alpha Motoneurons of Anterior Horn Spinal Cord after Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats

Any damages to the nerve fiber blocking connection with the neurons cell body (vital cell substances synthesis part), can lead to degenerative changes in proximal and distal parts of the damaged neuron. Some plants due to the antioxidant substances are effective in the survival and division of the neurons. This study aimed to investigate the effect of alcoholic extract of Salvia chloroleuca leaves on destruction of spinal cord anterior horn alpha motoneurons after sciatic nerve injury in rats. In this experimental study 24 male Wistar rats aged 12weeks and weighting 200-250gr were provided. The animals were divided into 4 (each=6) control, damaged, damaged + treatment with 50mg/kg alcoholic extract and damaged+treatment with 75mg/kg alcohol extract groups. To calculate the alpha motoneurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord in the right side the dissector method was used. Data were analyzed using Minitab 13 software by independent T and ANOVA tests. The mean density of alpha motoneurons in spinal anterior horn in control group was 1711.5±47.4, in damaged was 730.7±33.4, in damaged+treatment with 50mg/kg alcoholic extract was 1211.2±34.8 and in damaged+treatment with 75mg/kg alcoholic extract was 987.4±36.8. Mean difference between both treatment groups and damaged group was significant (p=0.001). Salvia chloroleuca leaf extract increases the density of alpha motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord in rats with sciatic nerve injury, and this increase in neuronal density is associated with the intake of the extract.