Neuroprotective effects of Pycnogenol on nerve regeneration and functional recovery after sciatic nerve crush injury in rodents.

ABSTRACT: Pycnogenol, a standardized French maritime pine bark extract, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This study evaluated its therapeutic potential in sciatic nerve regeneration following crush injury in female Sprague Dawley rats. Twenty-one rats were assigned to Sham, Control, and Pycnogenol (100 mg/kg/day) groups. After standardized nerve injury, Pycnogenol was administered for 28 days. Functional recovery was assessed using the Sciatic Functional Index (SFI), pinprick, and cold allodynia tests. Histopathology, muscle weight, and ELISA for nerve growth factor (NGF) were evaluated post-euthanasia. By Day 14, the Pycnogenol group showed significantly better SFI scores (83.60 ± 2.26 vs. 89.81 ± 2.42, p < 0.001), with continued improvement through D

SUBMITTER: Nayak BR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12575757 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature