Effects of βeta-caryophyllene extracted from Piper guineense fruit (Uziza pepper) on motor deficit and muscle function (gastrocnemius) in oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy of Wistar Rat

Introduction: Apart from its financial burden, Chemotherapy presents a induced Peripheral Neuropathy with motor deficits and muscle cachexia. This has lead to discouragement and stoppage of cancer treatment regimen, and poor quality of life with heavy financial Implications. This study was aimed to determine the effects of β-caryophyllene (BCP) on muscle function of gastrocnemius in oxaliplatin induced peripheral neuropathy of male wistar rat.

Method: The rats used in this study were grouped into 5 groups (n=9).Except for normal control , all animals were treated with Oxaliplatin (4 mg kg-1) to induce Peripheral neuropathy. Apart from the Negative control, others were treated daily with Doluxetine at 10 mg kg-1 (control 3), BCPat 25mg kg-1 ( Group 4) and BCP at 50 mg kg-1(group 5). For each week of the 21 days, the rats were assessed for motor coordination deficit and muscle strength while their samples were assessed for muscle injury and muscle weight of the gastrocnemius weekly. Means less than 0.05 (˂0.05) were considered statistically significant.

Result: BCP caused an improvement in motor co-ordination with decreases in muscle inflammation, creatine kinase and myoglobin levels with a weekly decrease in muscle inflammation. Muscle endurance also improved in BCP- treatment with increased relative gastrocnemius muscle weight. 

Discussion: This study emphasized the importance of muscle function as needed diagnostic tool in assessment of recovery of cancer patients while demonstrating the positive impact of BCP on pain sensitivity, motor deficit and muscle function during peripheral neuropathy.