Effectiveness of Flaxseed Oil on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Following Crush Injury of Sciatic Nerve in Rat: Behavioural Analysis and an Electron Microscopic Study
A total of 65 rats were separated into 4 groups Group 1 Normal group (n=5), Group 2 Negative group (n=20), Group 3 Experimental group (n=20) and Group 4 Positive control (n=20), all the group were further divided into 4 groups (post-operative 7, 14, 21, 28 days, n=5 for each days). The functional restoration was assessed by walkingtrackanalysis (Sciatic Functional Index analysis-SFI) and toe spreading reflex (grading score). Electron microscope studies were performed on sciatic nerve to evaluate the regenerative process through morphologic and morphometric changes.
Results:
Oral administration of flaxseed oil (experimental group) at 1000 mg/kg body weight/day showed better recovery compared to negative control value. However, there was no significant difference in SFI and toe spreading reflex between positive (mecobalamin) and experimental group (flaxseed oil). Morphological and morphometrical findings indicated increases in the myelin thickness and myelin sheath layer after administration of flaxseed oil.
Conclusion:
The flaxseed oil supplementation could enhance the neurorestorative capacities of injured sciatic nerve.