The effect of Aqueous Extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia on Diabetic Neuropathic Pain in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

One of the common complications of diabetes is nervous system disorder and diabetic neuropathy. In various studies, it has been reported that flavonoid and polyphenolic compounds of plants improve diabetic neuropathy. Due to the presence of large amounts of these compounds in Elaeagnus angustifolia fruit, this study was performed with the aim of investigating the effect of aqueous extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia on diabetic neuropathic pain in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This experimental study was performed on 24 male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into 3 groups of 8 each: negative control group (without any intervention), positive control group (diabetic), and group received the extract (at dose of 200 mg/kg/day). After induction of diabetes, the aqueous extract was administered orally for 3 weeks. Thermal allodynia, mechanical allodynia, hyperalgesia, and formalin tests were used for evaluating diabetic neuropathic pain on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 after injection of Streptozotocin. The data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. The level of significance was considered at p<0.05. The difference of pain between negative and positive controls and diabetic control was significant in thermal allodynia (p=0.036), mechanical allodynia (p=0.023), thermal hyperalgesia (p=0.001), and formalin (p<0.0001) tests. Administration of aqueous extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia improved diabetic neuropathic pain compared to positive control group in thermal allodynia (p=0.036), mechanical allodynia (p=0.012), hyperalgesia (p=0.011), and formalin (p<0.0001) tests. According to the results of this study, aqueous extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia improves diabetic neuropathic pain in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.