Therapeutic effects of aqueous, methanol and ethanol extracts of Egyptian Artemisia herba-alba in STZ-induced diabetic neuropathy in rats

Diabetes mellitus is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy and patients suffer from chronic peripheral pain. Artemisia herba-alba (Ah) is a prevalent plant with extensive traditional uses. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Ah in STZ-model of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. After induction of diabetes, rats were treated with aqueous, 100% methanol and 70% ethanol extracts of Ah at doses of 50 and 100mg/kg for each extract; respectively. Behavioral tests (Tail flick, hot plate and locomotor activity) were performed on animals. Blood glucose was measured in serum and oxidative stress biomarkers (GSH, MDA, CAT and GST) were assessed in isolated sciatic nerve. Treatment with aqueous, methanol and ethanol extracts of Ah decreased blood glucose level increased tail withdrawal latency and retention time (in tail flick and hot plate tests; respectively) and increased diabetic rats movements in the activity cage. The extracts also inhibited oxidative stress status by decreasing lipid peroxidation and enhancing GSH and antioxidant enzymes; CAT and GST. Therefore, treatment with Ah ameliorated painful diabetic neuropathy in STZ rats which was evident by improved nociceptive latency and locomotor activity. The therapeutic effect of the plant could be mediated by antioxidant mechanisms.