Neuroprotective Effects of Momordica charantia Methanolic Root Extract Against Vincristine Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Rats: Behavioral, Biochemical, and Histological Evidence

Abstract

Vincristine‑induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) is a debilitating complication of chemotherapy characterized by pain, sensory loss, and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of methanolic extracts of Momordica charantia roots in a rat model of VIPN. Rats were administered vincristine (100 μg/kg/day i.p.) to induce neuropathy and treated with low (100 mg/kg) and high (200 mg/kg) doses of M. charantia extract or Methylcobalamin (50 μg/kg i.p.). Behavioral outcomes including thermal hyperalgesia (hot‑plate and tail‑flick), cold allodynia (acetone test), and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were assessed. Pro‑inflammatory cytokines (IL‑6, IL‑1β, TNF‑α) and oxidative stress markers (LPO, SOD, CAT, NO) were measured biochemically. Sciatic nerve histopathology was performed. Vincristine produced significant neuropathic pain, increased cytokines, oxidative stress, and decreased NCV. Treatment with M. charantia mitigated pain behaviors, reduced inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, improved NCV, and preserved nerve architecture. These findings suggest that M. charantia extract exerts neuroprotective effects against VIPN possibly via antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory mechanisms, supporting its therapeutic potential in chemotherapy‑induced neuropathy.

Keywords: Momordica charantia; vincristine; peripheral neuropathy; oxidative stress; pro‑inflammatory cytokines; nerve conduction velocity; neuroprotection