Abstract

Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy is a major dose limiting side effect and thus, effective therapeutic strategy is required. In this study, the antinociceptive effect of Matricaria chamomilla (MC) hydroalcoholic extract and morphine on vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy model in mice has been investigated. Experiments were performed on 60 Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) male mice. Mouse subsequently received daily intraperitoneal and intravenal injections of vincristine sulfate, saline and MC hydroalcoholic extract over 12 days, immediately following behavioral testing. For assessment of pain, formalin test was preformed. The effects of MC, morphine and vehicle (saline) 30 min before formalin test on vincristine-induced neuropathy were evaluated. Administration of MC before formalin injection showed significant (P < 0.05) decrease of pain responses in both phases. Administration of vincristine produced significant (Pm < 0.05) increase in pain response in second phase of formalin test. Injection of MC and vincristine together has shown that MC is able to decrease the vincristine induced pain significantly (P < 0.05). Morphine decreased vincristine induced pain test significantly (P < 0.05). In comparison, morphine has analgesic effects in the first phase and MC has anti-inflammatory effects in the second phase of formalin test significantly (P < 0.05). These results suggest that MC may be an alternative approach for the treatment of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathic pain.

Key words: Matricaria chamomilla, vincristine, antinociception, neuropathic pain.