Evaluating the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench in peripheral neuropathy induced by cisplatin in Swiss mice

Abstract

Introduction: Several mechanisms have been proposed in cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), including oxidative stress, increased activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, and serotonin receptors. Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench extract is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and immunoregulatory properties, making it a potential candidate for alleviating peripheral neuropathy. Objective: According to the available evidence regarding the antioxidant effects of Echinacea purpura extract, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Echinacea purpura (L.) Moench on cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in male Swiss mice. Materials and methods: 90 male Swiss mice (25-35 g) were randomly divided into 10 groups, each comprising 9 male Swiss mice. Three doses of 50, 100, 200 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench were administered a week before or with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) administration for respectively 42 days or 35 days. Cisplatin was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 2.3 mg/kg/day during two 5-day periods. The hot plate test was performed and at the end of the course, blood samples were collected from the hearts of male Swiss mice to evaluate malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Results: The results showed that after induction of peripheral neuropathy by cisplatin in male Swiss mice, hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Echinacea purpura significantly reduced peripheral neuropathy in male Swiss mice, but no significant changes were observed in the malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels. Conclusion: It seems that hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Echinacea purpura reduce cisplatin induced peripheral neuropathy by a mechanism other than inhibiting oxidative stress, which requires more detailed studies.