Pueraria mirifica is a plant in the Leguminosae family, locally known in Thai as Khao—kruea khao. This plant’s tuberous root contains phytoestrogen compounds which are similar to mammalian estrogen. Phytoestrogen is claimed to stimulate the regeneration of damaged nerves and decrease neuropathic pain. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of Pueraria mirifica on pain behavioral test following spared nerve injury in rats. The results indicated that spared-nerve injury group which received Pueraria mirifica suspension (SNI-PM) showed the minimum of pain withdrawal threshold at day 5 after nerve surgery and increase to the maximum threshold close to the baseline at 26.00 g (normal state) in the sixth week. It was concluded that Pueraria mirifica suspension may decrease neuropathic pain after nerve injury. Less pain feeling during the regeneration process of damaged nerves, more movement could be enhanced. Therefore, it may promote the recovery of nerve function in rats.
Kamolchanok Tanchotikul1, Quankamon Dejativongse Na Ayudhya1*, Orawan Piyaboon1 and Supin Chompoopong2
1Department of Biology, Mahidol Wittayanusorn School, Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, 73170
2Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Rajthevi, Bangkok, 10400
Keyword: Pueraria mirifica, neuropathic pain, withdrawal threshold
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