PROTECTIVE ROLE OF THE AYURVEDIC HERBO-MINERAL FORMULATION CHANDRAPRABHA VATI IN DIABETIC NEUROPATHY INDUCED BY HIGH-FAT DIET AND STREPTOZOTOCIN IN RATS
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to altered insulin secretion or function. Neuropathic pain, a frequent complication, is commonly treated with synthetic drugs like antioxidants, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants, though prolonged use can result in severe adverse effects. Herbal medicines, particularly Chandraprabha Vati, have shown promise in managing diabetes and related complications. While its antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects have been validated in preclinical and clinical studies, its efficacy in diabetic neuropathy remains unexplored. The present study evaluated Chandraprabha Vati in a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic neuropathy model in albino rats. Diabetic neuropathy was induced by feeding rats with HFD for eight weeks, followed by STZ injection (35 mg/kg). Control animals received a standard chow diet. Treatment groups included Chandraprabha Vati (200 mg/kg), Amitriptyline (10 mg/kg), and a vehicle control (0.25% Na-CMC) for six weeks. Behavioral tests viz. heat-hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, grip strength, walking function and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) showed significant improvement with the treatment of Chandraprabha Vati. Elevated levels of glucose, lipids, liver enzymes, and oxidative stress markers were significantly reduced, while insulin and antioxidant levels (SOD, GSH, catalase) improved. Pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6). These findings indicate that Chandraprabha Vati offers significant therapeutic potential for diabetic neuropathy, presenting a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatments.
KEYWORDS: Diabetes, Diabetic Neuropathy, Chandraprabha vati, Amitriptyline, High-fat diet, Streptozotocin