Flavone & monohydroxy flavones on paclitaxel - induced peripheral neuropathy in mice: A prospective Oncotherapeutic study

Abstract

Author(s): Parimala Kathirvelu, Nithya Panneerselvam*, Vijaykumar Sayeli, Jagan Nadipelly, Jaikumar Shanmugasundaram, Viswanathan Subramanian

Background: Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study examined whether flavone and its monohydroxy derivatives could reduce peripheral neuropathy caused by paclitaxel, a widely used anticancer drug.

Methods: Male Swiss albino mice were treated with flavone or monohydroxyflavones at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. Neuropathic symptoms were evaluated using standard behavioural tests: von Frey filaments for mechanical sensitivity, the acetone test for cold response and the tail-immersion method for thermal pain.

Results: Mice receiving paclitaxel developed clear signs of neuropathy. Treatment with flavones and their derivatives reduced these symptoms in a dose-dependent manner. Among the compounds tested, 5-hydroxyflavone produced the most potent effect, followed by 6-hydroxyflavone, flavone and 7-hydroxyflavone. The protective effect appeared to involve several neural pathways, including opioid, GABAergic, serotonergic, adrenergic and K+-ATP channel systems. The compounds also helped prevent structural damage to the sciatic nerve.

Conclusion: Flavone and its monohydroxy derivatives showed meaningful protection against paclitaxel-induced neuropathy in mice. Their multi-pathway action and ability to limit nerve damage suggest that these molecules serve as valuable leads for developing treatments for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

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