Protective effect of Rubia cordifolia in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in experimental animals

Background: Neuropathic pain is a pain initiated or caused by a primary lesion or dysfunction of the nervous system. Material and Methods: In this study, we evaluated the effect of alcoholic extract of roots and rhizomes of Rubia cordifolia on the development and expression of neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel in sciatic nerve ligated rats. A peripheral mononeuropathy was produced in adult Wistar rats by placing loosely constrictive ligatures around the common sciatic nerve. The postoperative behavior of these rats indicated that hyperalgesia, allodynia, and spontaneous pain were produced. Treatment with paclitaxel (2 mg/kg i.p. on 7 th , 10 th , and 21 st day) produced long-lasting (2-3 weeks) heat hyperalgesia and cold allodynia in rats. Conclusion: Co-administration of R. cordifolia extract for 21 days significantly decreased pain indicating its usefulness in neuropathic pain.