Biological Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds of Selaginella plana in Treating Diabetic Neuropathy

Introduction: The study is aimed to assess the plant bioactive compounds of Selaginella plana in treating diabetic neuropathy. The plant components were assessed using ethanol as the solvent. Method: A phytochemical screening was conducted to ascertain the existence of secondary metabolites in the plant extracts. The efficacy of plant extract against neuropathic pain was determined using plantar test and Von Frey filament stimulation. Biochemical tests were performed to determine the level of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, HDL, CHO, LDL, Creatinine and Urea. The percentage yield of ethanol and aqueous extract was 19.22 g and 15.76 g, respectively. Result: The ethanolic extract showed presence of most of the phytoconstituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, tannins, phytosterols, glycosides, proteins, and gum. Thus, ethanolic extract was used for further studies. In contrast to disease induced rats, rats given the extract chronically had a considerably shorter hind paw withdrawal latency. In STZ-induced diabetic rats, the mechanical withdrawal threshold dramatically reduced mechanical allodynia after 7 days by a dose of 400 mg/kg. Conclusion: The major findings of the study demonstrated that STZ-induced diabetic rats administered leaf extract had reduced neuropathic pain. It can be concluded that S. plana may be used as an alternative drug in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.